South Gloucestershire Council has granted a resolution for approval on the application to build The Wave – a unique in-land surfing experience – to be built at Washingpool Farm in Easter Compton near Bristol, with a majority vote of nine to one, with one abstention. The planning application was managed and submitted on behalf of The Wave by the Bristol office of independent property adviser GVA, with Colliers International, also a key partner involved in the project, providing market, financial and operational feasibility advice.
The Wave brings surfing, nature and education together. At the centre of the development will be a freshwater lagoon, which will use Wavegarden® technology by Instant Sport in Spain, to generate perfect surfing waves for both experienced surfers and beginners alike.
Co-founder of The Wave, Nick Hounsfield, comments: “This is the culmination of three years’ very hard work and we are very excited that South Gloucestershire Council has chosen to give it the go ahead.”
Pete Stockall, Director at GVA, and himself a keen surfer, adds, “The unique concept of this project is bound to be a huge attraction in the South West. It’s an exciting, groundbreaking project that has caught everyone’s imagination.”
Seán Young, Head of Destination Consulting at Colliers International, says, “The Wave will be a truly innovative new leisure destination for Bristol and for the surfing community in the UK. Having advised The Wave team on this scheme and many others around the globe, Wavegarden, is a world class product which has the potential to transform other UK locations as well.”
Nick Hounsfield continues: “We believe that The Wave will have a hugely positive impact on people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in the local area, Bristol and further afield. We can’t wait to get this project built and open to the public. Now that planning has been granted, the project can quickly progress to the next stage – we hope to start work on site this year and be open by Summer 2015.
“The planning team at GVA and the Destination Consulting team at Colliers International have provided invaluable input and unstinting support throughout – the entire process has been a team effort from the beginning.”
