Australia’s first surfing park – with waves generated by machines – has just opened in Melbourne. UK-headquartered consultant Turner & Townsend acted as project manager for the scheme.
Urbnsurf’s two-hectare surfing lagoon, using technology developed by Spanish engineering firm, Wavegarden, makes waves for surfers of different abilities in a controlled environment.
The park used 18,000 tonnes of recycled concrete, making it the largest recycled concrete structure in Australia.
Turner & Townsend was appointed by Urbnsurf as project manager and superintendent.
Jason Veale, project director at Turner & Townsend said: "Creating waves of the desired shape and height demanded a high level of construction accuracy for the lagoon and Wavegarden using wave generating technology. Attention to detail and a cohesive team environment was critical to the project’s overall success. In addition, our long-standing relationship with Melbourne Airport played a pivotal role to obtain the necessary approvals and clearances, enabling all work to be completed within the agreed timeframe."
Urbnsurf Melbourne is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
The lagoon can produce ocean-like surfing waves ranging between 0.5 metres to 2 metres in height. They can be customised to suit different ages and abilities – from rolling whitewater waves for learners through to barrelling waves for experienced surfers.
Image: Urbnsurf Melbourne is now open (Urbnsurf)
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