Developer buoyed by approval for £60m inland surfing lagoon
Plans for the region’s first inland surfing lagoon at TraffordCity have been approved by Trafford Council.
McKinney Group said the £60m scheme would see a former container base site transformed into a world class surfing lagoon for Greater Manchester, within a well-designed and safe cove environment that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Alongside the surf lake will be space for a café/restaurant terrace, pop-up beach bars, surf shop, and changing facilities, all within an interactive environment with everything from pump track and fitness zone to a halfpipe/boarding area, and exercise, bouldering and balancing zones.
Powered by Wavegarden, the world leader in man made, wave generating technologies, the proposed surfing complex will create consistent waves, perfect for beginners, learners and professionals alike to test their skills.
Managing director, Billy McKinney, said: “We’re delighted that Trafford Council has approved our proposals for Modern Surf and are very grateful to local residents for the extraordinary level of support we have received.
“Modern Surf will complement the already excellent leisure based activities in TraffordCity and help to inspire the next generation of surfers and athletes. We hope to create 100 full time equivalant jobs when operational, as well as supporting many more during the construction phase.”
The site in TraffordCity, owned and managed by Peel L&P, is regarded as the UK’s foremost retail, leisure and commercial destination encompassing The Trafford Centre and its surrounding 3.5 million sq ft of retail, leisure and office space.
James Whittaker, executive development director at Peel L&P, said: “We are thrilled to hear that planning permission has been granted for Modern Surf which will bring something unique to the already strong leisure offering.
“Our vision is to be the UK’s number one destination for the retail, leisure and business in a sustainable environment where, over the last 25 years we have created over 17,500 jobs and invested over £1.6bn.
“Alongside Therme Manchester, Modern Surf will be another fantastic leisure attraction to TraffordCity that will complement all the surrounding businesses.”
The £60m scheme will be located on Peel L&P’s brownfield site off Barton Dock Road in Trafford Park. It will be the first inland surfing facility to open in the North West and is earmarked to be open by 2023.
McKinney Group has been supported by LSH, Hydrock, Leslie Jones Architects and BECG during the planning process.
Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, is behind plans for the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, near the Trafford Centre.
Set to open in 2023, the £250m project will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience.
