Plans submitted for Surf Snowdonia attraction
Plans for a new North Wales leisure attraction featuring an inland surf lake have been submitted to Conwy Council.
Altrincham-based Planit Intelligent Environments has designed the masterplan for Surf Snowdonia on behalf of Conwy Adventure Leisure, part of the Ainscough Group.
The UK's first Wavegarden surf lake would be the main attraction at Surf Snowdonia, which would be built on the 40-acre site of the former Dolgarrog Aluminium Works in the heart of the Conwy Valley. The factory closed in 2007.
The Wavegarden concept has been developed over the last seven years by a group of hydrological, civil and mechanical engineers who also happen to be passionate surfers.
CAL managing director Steve Davies said: "We've done our homework and we think this facility will attract up to 75,000 visitors a year and not just surfers but family visitors.
"Surfing is already a cold water sport so we're not trying to turn Dolgarrog into Hawaii."
Pete Swift, director of Planit-IE, said: "This is not a cheap and cheerful water park, it is a world-class surfing facility, able to generate the perfect 2m high wave, day in day out, all year round.
"It will cater for beginners and experts alike."
The Wavegarden at Surf Snowdonia is likely to be the first up and running in the UK, and possibly the world.
It will be complemented by a cable wake board lake, activity lagoon, lodge accommodation and a central hub building designed by Seven Architecture.
As the site lies next to the River Conwy and a variety of designated nature sites, Planit has proposed an entirely native planting approach, both to anchor the new elements in their landscape and create new habitat opportunities.
Surf Snowdonia is expected to attract up to 70,000 visitors a year and will create approximately 100 jobs.
CAL are also advised by NJL Planning, Colliers International, Regeneris Consulting, TRP Engineers, Brabners and WCP Project Management.
Subject to planning approval, work is scheduled to begin in early autumn, with completion in 2014.
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That the Irish Sea out of work, then.
By Big Z
Totally out of character for the Conwy Valley………….stick it on Anglesey where they are desperate for jobs, and people already go surfing!
By JG
This looks absolutely fantastic, what a great idea!
By Adrian
A great addition to the conwy valley and an excellent diversification from what is usually proposed. There is enough scope and space for all kinds of adventure actiivties in the area. Never mind the blinkered nimbys
By bud