Surf Snowdonia

Leisure, North Wales

WCP Associates were appointed by the Client as Project Manager, Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor for the construction of the World’s first publicly accessible inland surfing lagoon.

Surf Snowdonia is a 300m x 175m world class surfing facility generating the perfect 2m high wave day in day out, all year round, for beginners and experts alike on the site of a former aluminium works on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

The project comprised the following elements:

  • Creation of the Surfing Lagoon incorporating Wavegarden technology.
  • Formation of an Activity Lagoon which includes an assault course and “Blobbing” area.
  • A Hub Building housing the main food retail, changing facilities and administration centre.
  • A Family Activity Building including children’s play area, food retail and merchandising area.
  • A camp site with individual pod accommodation units together with separate amenity and administration blocks.

WCP associates managed the design and construction process for the civil engineering, building and equipment installation works to form the development which is considered an amazing success.

Challenges to be overcome included:

  • Significant contamination from the former aluminium works.
  • Ecology and EIA including an adjacent SSSI.
  • Flood risk from River Conwy.
  • A unique plant and machinery installation without any similar precedent.
  • Substantial mechanical and electrical installations including HV.