PLANS to create one of the most advanced wave parks in the world in Scotland have been lodged after receiving no objections from the public during a major consultation.
Wavegarden Scotland, the company which hopes to develop Scotland’s first artificial wave park, has lodged its planning application today to redevelop Craigpark Quarry, near Ratho, Edinburgh, into a world-class surf and leisure facility offering a variety of water sports on its man-made loch.
With surfing due to debut as an Olympic Sport at Tokyo 2020, Wavegarden Scotland hope it will be ready in time for the event and will encourage future generations of Scottish surfers to dream big as they perfect their skills on some of the most advanced surfing facilities available.
Using recently released, state-of-the-art wave generation technology called The Cove, Wavegarden Scotland will be among the most advanced surfing and water sport facilities in the world, with the capability to enable elite-level sports training and development.
Located beside the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Wavegarden Scotland’s proposal also includes self-catering luxury lodges, glamping pods, a waterfront cafe and restaurant, retail spaces, a zip line, a water tubing area, a snow-sports area, and a car park.
The 23-hectare wave park has been planned and designed by landscape architects HarrisonStevens, with engineering and technical consultation provided by WSP, and planning and development advice by Colliers International.
Wavegarden Scotland held two public consultations in February where over 260 people attended, with more taking part online and through its social media channels. The plans received overwhelming support with no objections.
Andy Hadden, co-founder of Wavegarden Scotland, said: “We’re cautiously optimistic that our years of research, consultation and planning will pay off. We believe our facility will enhance Ratho as an international destination for adventure sports, and we’re delighted that we have the chance to deliver the project in a brownfield site within an old quarry.”
Wavegarden Scotland said their facilities will be an ecologically responsible and diverse space for the surrounding communities and visiting public, with a large country park for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy.
The proposal details how the former quarry site has guided the design, with extensive re-use of onsite materials and stone to capitalise on site’s natural character, while careful plant and landscaping choices will help restore the area’s original ecology which was lost during the former quarry’s operations.
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