Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and The Wave, will develop a planning application for a surfing destination at Lee Valley Leisure Complex in north London.
The £40m project would be called The Wave London. It would be built on around 100 acres of land in Lee Valley Regional Park. It would make London the first capital city in the world to offer an inland surfing destination.
The concept will allow everyone of all abilities to try surfing. Surfing is a rapidly growing sport and is set to grow after its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
The Wave London will use Wavegarden Cove technology to create perfect surfing conditions, with up to 1,000 quality waves per hour and heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost 2m.
Other brands have developed offshore surf experiences. American Wave Machines (AWM) has developed a micro-destination concept for malls called Offshore Surf. CEO Greg Lombardo spoke to Blooloop about Location Based Entertainment (LBE) and the future of the authentic surf brand.
Before the application is submitting, a programme of engagement with local communities and interested organisations will take place as well as site analysis. If plans are approved, The Wave London would include a new purpose-built surfing lake and possibly other elements, including a high-performance surfing and skateboarding centre, health and rehabilitation, cycle trails, high ropes, and glamping accommodation.
New regional leisure hub
Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “These proposals have the potential to create a stunning new regional leisure hub bringing health, fitness, sport and outdoor activities to millions of people along with many new jobs.
“This leisure development would complement our existing world class sports venues up and down the 26-mile-long Regional Park, including our three hugely popular London 2012 legacy venues providing the best cycling, white water, hockey and tennis opportunities to be found anywhere.
Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave said: “Surfing is an incredible sport which has proven health benefits – both physically and mentally. The Wave London would give people the chance to try surfing and experience these benefits in an urban environment. Being in the water, catching waves, has the ability to change lives, whilst being so much fun!
“We have already started to build The Wave Bristol. From the very beginning we have worked closely with local communities to ensure our project meets their needs and provides world-class surfing facilities for professionals and beginners alike. We look forward to working with local Edmonton residents, organisations and partners in the same way to ensure The Wave London works for both them and visitors to the area.”
Image courtesy The Wave
