WORK will begin on Scotland’s first artificial surf park after Wavegarden Scotland received planning permission for the project.
The City of Edinburgh Council has given the green light to plans to transform the disused Craigpark Quarry near Ratho, Edinburgh, into a ‘world class’ surfing destination.
The facility is expected to open to the public in late spring 2021 and has been tipped to provide a welcome boost to the local community, including up to £500,000 worth of financial contributions to local facilities and infrastructure through a planning obligations agreement.
Wavegarden Scotland revealed it also expects to create up to 130 jobs and generate up to £11 million for the local economy every year. The organisation has committed to deliver a footbridge over the Union Canal to improve links with the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
The facility will offer adventure leisure amenities alongside a country park.
Andy Hadden, co-founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Wavegarden Scotland said, “We are delighted that Wavegarden Scotland has been approved and we can now start work on site to create this wonderful addition to Scotland’s sporting and leisure scene. We know that this facility will deliver many benefits for the local community and for Scotland.
“It will be a fantastic destination for locals and tourists alike and Wavegarden Scotland will offer an amazing opportunity to nurture surfing and sporting talent in this country. We already have some the world’s best waves in Scotland and the scene is growing, with some great young talent coming through the ranks. Wavegarden Scotland will play a key role in encouraging and developing future Scottish surfers and putting this fantastic sport in the spotlight.
“We have a number of announcements lined up in coming months that will show our commitment to local business, sport and philanthropy. These announcements will help cement our case for this to be a world class destination for all ages and demographics.”
Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West added, “As the local MP for Ratho, I am delighted the village will host Scotland’s first surfing park. This will be a great attraction West of the city, creating up to 130 new jobs and providing a fantastic facility for locals and tourists alike.”
