Plans for an £8.5 million, 109-bedroom hotel at the Eden Project have been revealed – and educational facilities have been confirmed as part of the proposals.
The two-block hotel has been designed to blend into the countryside, and includes prominent timber poles, cladding the outside of its two blocks.
Construction is likely to start in late 2017, with an opening date forecast for April 2018.
The new hotel’s plans include a number of classrooms to support the Eden Project’s current educational programmes, including its apprenticeship scheme and degree-level courses.
A number of workshops are already available at the Eden Project for all Key Stages. Subjects covered include Science, Geography, Maths and Art & Design.
Example workshops include Chocology – a journey around the Rainforest Biome to learn about the creation of chocolate – and Canopy Club, a session that encourages pupils to work as a team and use their scientific skills to investigate the rainforest’s secrets.
More about the new Eden Project hotel
The proposed location for the hotel is near Eden’s plum car park, where there is easy access to the Eden Project site as well as local footpaths and cycle routes.
Existing features in the area, including old trees and stone walls, would be incorporated into the design of the grounds, while new features, including a meadow and orchard, would be planted around the hotel.
Eden Project executive director David Harland said: “We have always aspired to have a hotel at Eden and this is the culmination of years of work towards that aim.
“We feel that hotel accommodation at Eden would not only give an attractive option to our day visitors, but also increases Eden’s appeal as a venue for weddings, conferences and events. This is part of our plan to enhance the year-round sustainability of Eden’s business.”
For further information visit www.edenproject.com.
