Surf’s up in Birmingham as green light given for £25m wave park

Plans to build the UK’s most landlocked surf park near Birmingham have taken a major step forward after planning bosses voted unanimously in favour of the £25m project.

Emerge Surf Birmingham was originally unveiled in 2019 and has now received the backing of North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning and development board.

All 15 voting members minded to support the planning application for the 15-acre site, approximately seven miles to the east of Birmingham’s city centre at Coleshill.

The wave park will feature a 5.4-acre surf lagoon, powered by Wavegarden’s Cove technology, an outdoor heated swimming pool, hub building and a perimeter track for Onewheel electric skateboards.

It is expected to create 100 full-time equivalent jobs, attract around 250,000 visitors a year and deliver an annual economic boost of between £18 – £21m to the region.

Visitors to the park will also be able to enjoy a surf school, surf shop, café and restaurant, multi-purpose fitness studio, physio and massage room and children’s play area.

Steve Price, founder and CEO of Emerge Surf, said: “Our aim with Emerge Surf is to bring a slice of the ocean to Birmingham, creating a haven for landlocked surfers and those wanting to try the sport for the first time. I’m thrilled to see such resounding backing from North Warwickshire Borough Council, recognising our vision and being minded to support the project.

“We’re excited to enter the next phase in our plan to deliver a wave park that will be a huge asset to the region and its already renowned visitor economy. It will provide a world-class experience for surfers of all levels, delivering a positive social impact while supporting mental and physical wellbeing. This is alongside creating new jobs, boosting tourism and elevating the region’s reputation as a sport and leisure destination.

“Our focus now is on finalising our funding structure, progressing on-site groundworks, which we expect to start before the end of this year and working collaboratively with all partners as we prepare to open to the public in early 2022.”

Cllr David Wright, leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, said: “North Warwickshire Borough Council is pleased to welcome this development and I thank our Councillors on the Planning and Development Board for their decision. We are all keen to see our economy bounce back from the COVID-19 outbreak and this is a major boost for our economy, particularly the very hard-pressed leisure and tourist sector. This will also boost physical activity levels in our area and there is an extensive community programme being worked up to include communities and schools.

“We are looking forward to this project progressing and for North Warwickshire to become famous not just as a centre for cycling and golf, but also for surfing.”

Emerge Surf Birmingham will be working in partnership with national governing body Surfing England to deliver certificated surfing tuition and with registered charity Surf Life Saving Great Britain on a wide range of courses for water safety.

The park is also partnering with The Wave Project to deliver therapy through surfing to local children suffering with mental health issues.

World Surf League Big Wave World Champion Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker is an ambassador for Emerge Surf, alongside top UK professional surfers Peony Knight and Luke Dillon. Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE is the park’s non-surfing ambassador.

Dates referenced for the start of ground works and public opening are subject to the proposed development being referred to the Secretary of State.

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