£67m Eden Project attraction to open in Northern Ireland
by Andy Knaggs | 13 Feb 2020
Eden Project Foyle brings together a network of local partners and supporters from universities, businesses, statutory and social organisations to address issues which affect each of us.
– Eamonn Deane
– Eamonn Deane
A new £67m (US$86.9m, €79.8m) cultural and environmental Eden Project tourist attraction, designed by Grimshaw Architects, is to be built in Northern Ireland and is expected to open in 2023.
Eden Project Foyle will cover a 100-hectare (250-acre) site along the banks of the River Foyle near Derry-Londonderry, brining previously inaccessible land, three historic walled gardens and an 18th-century icehouse back into use.
The destination will feature a range of sanctuaries and enclosures for visitors to discover, around a centrepiece building called The Acorn, inspired by Neolithic architecture and connected with a network of walkways.
The building will house performance and play areas, and will be put together with timber and thatch, giving it a light, efficient and low-carbon construction. Visitors will be able to zipwire from the roof down to the walkways.
Project developers and charitable trust Foyle River Gardens hoping it will help to bring social, economic and environmental regeneration to Derry-Londonderry.
Eamonn Deane, chair of Foyle River Gardens, said: "Eden Project Foyle brings together a network of local partners and supporters from universities, businesses, statutory and social organisations to address issues which affect each of us. The relationship with the Eden Project has been built up over the last three years and we are delighted to be able to move this project forward together."
Eden Project Eden Project Foyle Grimshaw Architects Foyle River Gardens Derry-Londonderry Northern Ireland
Initial concept designs for the Eden Project Foyle have been completed by Grimshaw Architects Credit: Grimshaw Architects
The destination will cover a 100-hectare (250-acre) site along the banks of the River Foyle near Derry-Londonderry Credit: Grimshaw Architects
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FEATURE: Interview – Tim Smit
A new £67m (US$86.9m, €79.8m) cultural and environmental Eden Project tourist attraction, designed by Grimshaw Architects, is to be built in Northern Ireland and is expected to open in 2023. Eden Project Foyle will cover a 100-hectare (250-acre) site along the banks of the River Foyle near Derry-Londonderry, brining previously inaccessible land, three historic walled gardens and an 18th-century icehouse back into use. The destination will feature a range of
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