Eden Project right back in business

December 20, 2010

All areas of the Eden Project are now open to visitors again thanks to a huge team effort following last month’s flood.

The project's ice rink and Link Building, which connects the world-famous Biomes, have opened their doors to visitors for the first time since they were damaged by the flooding.

Visitors to Eden over the weekend were treated to sparkling lantern parades, fireworks, fire sculptures, Cornish choirs and bands, shadow puppet shows, story-telling, festive food and drink as well as ice-skating.

They can also savour the delicious tastes of the Mediterranean regions as part of a new al fresco-style eating experience in the Mediterranean Biome.

Eden staff and contractors have worked hard since the flooding on repairing, set-dressing and redecorating the buildings in time for Christmas, with the rink returned to its full glory and the Link open for sandwiches, soup, muffins, coffees and teas.

The kitchens in the Link Building are still being repaired and refitted but are expected to be finished by spring next year.

Eden's Director of Interpretation Jo Elworthy said: "The main eating areas were severely damaged in the flood and there is still major work to be done to get our kitchens and restaurants back up and running.

"But in the meantime we wanted somewhere we could bring the community together for Christmas for some food and festive cheer.

"We lost a lot of our decorations in the flood but it's been all hands to the deck getting the restaurants to look Christmassy again, with lots of help from staff who have been busy making beautiful paper chains and other decorations from recycled paper."

The Eden Project is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, open until 6pm on Boxing Day, until 9pm between December 27 and 30 and until 6pm from December 31 to January 2.