The highly anticipated Eden Project Dundee is one step closer to becoming a reality, with a fundraising campaign set to begin next year. The eco-friendly attraction, which received planning approval earlier this year, aims to create a unique space that will not only attract visitors but also serve as an educational and environmental hub. The campaign to raise the millions of pounds needed for construction will rely on a mix of public, private, and philanthropic sources, with work on the project already underway.
Building Momentum for Eden Project Scotland
The announcement of the fundraising campaign comes after Eden Project Dundee, officially known as Eden Project Scotland, was granted planning permission in June. This green initiative will transform the city of Dundee, creating a space that promises to be both environmentally sustainable and an asset for the local community.
The project’s ambitious budget is estimated at £130 million, though a more precise figure will be available in early 2025. The exact timeline for the completion of Eden Project Scotland is still uncertain, as factors like global economic conditions will influence the speed at which funds can be raised. Blair Parkin, the chief experience development officer at Eden Project, has emphasized the challenges posed by the current economy, but remains hopeful about securing the necessary funds.
Raising Funds: A Two-Year Endeavor
Eden Project Scotland’s fundraising campaign will kick off after Easter 2025, marking the start of a two-year effort to secure tens of millions of pounds. This endeavor will draw on multiple sources of funding, including partnerships with public sector agencies, private investors, and philanthropists. The team working on the campaign will be expanded, with additional staff focusing on finance and fundraising activities in Dundee.
“It’s going to be a significant challenge,” said Parkin, who highlighted the importance of public and private sector collaboration. “But the team here is ready to face it, and we’re working hard to bring the project closer to reality.”
Blair Parkin, who leads the development, will continue to focus on structuring the project’s financial foundation. He mentioned that in the first half of 2025, the team will strengthen its fundraising capabilities and prepare for the official launch of the campaign.
From Design to Construction: The Next Phase
While the fundraising efforts ramp up, work on the detailed design of the Eden Project Scotland will continue. The site, located at the former gas holder near Dundee’s East Dock Street, will feature several buildings, including one constructed from recycled materials. These structures will house educational and community-based exhibitions, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Some of the funding secured already will go toward further design work, which will cost millions. The Eden team is working closely with local communities to shape the narrative and educational stories each building will tell. A schools programme, focusing on environmental education, is also set to expand in 2025.
Work on the land is progressing, with the National Grid and SGN already completing the groundwork for the site. The Eden Project team now finds itself at a pivotal moment, transitioning from the feasibility phase to the delivery phase. But as Parkin pointed out, “The economics of the world will play a major part in that.”
Political Support and Looking Ahead
The project has received broad political support, with key figures from across the political spectrum backing the Eden Project Scotland. This backing is seen as a crucial element in ensuring the project’s long-term success. Parkin emphasized the importance of this support, saying, “We’re grateful for the respect and backing we’ve received.”
In 2025, Eden Project Scotland will ramp up its engagement with government agencies and continue to push forward with securing the remaining funds. Parkin remains optimistic that the project is “becoming tangible” and that the next steps will be critical in bringing the project to fruition.
As Eden Project Scotland transitions into its delivery phase, the team is poised to focus on finalizing designs, securing funding, and preparing the site for construction. The next year promises to be a significant one for the project, with high hopes of securing the necessary funds to build what could become one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions.
