November 10, 2014 The Age
Surf waves could soon break in the shadow of Melbourne's skyscrapers, if a plan to build a floating beach in Docklands takes off.
The CBD wave pool would produce 1-to-1.5-metre barrels in the middle of Victoria Harbour, with filtered saltwater drawn from the harbour and heated all year round.
Floating off the end of Docklands' Central Pier, the facility would also include a deep sandy beach, deck, lawn area and large beach pool.
Designers say the size of the artificial waves could be adjusted, from a small swell ideal for beginners, up to a five-foot wave for experienced surfers who could ride the 30-metre-wide breaker for 160 metres.
Global engineering and design firm Arup is leading the proposal, after being approached with the idea by Melbourne architect Damian Rogers. Although still in its early stages, the venture is getting those in the industry "very excited".
Surfing Victoria chief executive Max Wells said that during the past decade he had been presented with "ambitious" plans for wave pools. This was the first time he has been convinced it could work.
"The reason for that is they've got the right location and the indication that it will be available to them," Mr Wells says.
"The fact it's 100 metres from a tram line and from Spencer Street [train] station is pretty amazing.
"I can imagine having surfers in suits heading for an after-work session and kids coming to Docklands carrying surfboards on Melbourne's trains and trams."
Surfing Victoria is also backing the park as a future venue for high-level professional surfing competitions.
Europe is set to get its first commercial "inland surfing destination" when a wave lagoon in Snowdonia, Wales, is finished next year. A demonstration facility is already operating at the bottom of a valley in northern Spain.
Arup urban and transport planner Phil Carter said Melbourne's surf park was likely to be a world first because it would be floated in the harbour.
Mr Carter expects the facility to cost more than $8 million.
The company is seeking funding from developers or potential operators of the facility, rather than the government. But Melbourne City Council and Places Victoria would have to approve construction.
Both organisations have already met with the proponent. A council spokeswoman said it was "an interesting concept" if private funding were available, though it was yet to officially back the project.
It is understood previous floating-pool ideas spruiked to council have failed to get off the ground.
The Docklands surf park would include a 50-metre strip of retail space – for businesses such as a surf shop – hidden underneath a grass mound.
Surfers would be charged an entrance fee but access to the beach and extended deck will be free to the public. Mr Carter said that a similar wave pool in the UK charged £10 to £20, or up to $37. Melbourne's ticket prices would be determined by a future operator.