{"id":149553,"date":"2025-09-20T16:14:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T16:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/149553\/"},"modified":"2025-09-20T16:14:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T16:14:18","slug":"apg-and-moowd-win-milestone-approval-for-north-london-surf-lake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/149553\/","title":{"rendered":"APG and MOOWD win \u2018milestone\u2019 approval for north London surf lake"},"content":{"rendered":"

The scheme now awaits final sign-off from the Greater London Authority (GLA).<\/p>\n

APG, which delivered a similar project<\/a> in its home city of Bristol, has designed a two-storey clubhouse building incorporating a caf\u00e9, shop, changing and wellbeing spaces, offices and an operations hub for the proposed Surf London active leisure park.<\/p>\n

Backed by the same developer, Crest Experiences (formerly The Wave Group), Surf London will convert a golf course and campsite in the Lee Valley Leisure Complex into a 200m-wide surf lake on a 420,000m2\u00a0site.<\/p>\n

Following local approval, Crest Experiences now expects the GLA to complete its final assessments by the end of this year, enabling construction to begin in 2026.<\/p>\n

Led by MOOWD\u2019s masterplan, the project integrates the inland lake, ecological restoration, and inclusive public parkland within the Lee Valley<\/p>\n

Other facilities include sports courts, a cycling pump track and bowl, and other routes for skating.<\/p>\n

Although the application to Enfield Council was submitted in May this year, the project has been \u2018years in the making\u2019, according to APG director Adam Parsons.<\/p>\n

Parsons told the AJ that it was \u2018especially exciting\u2019 that the facility would introduce the Endless Surf technology to the UK for the first time. While the Bristol scheme uses a Wavegarden Cove system to generate its waves, Endless Surf is a new system that \u2018delivers a versatile, ocean-like surf experience in an inland setting\u2019, according to planning documents.<\/p>\n

\u2018Its unique heart-shaped design maximises usable wave space, enabling simultaneous surfing zones for different skill levels and a higher volume of surfers per hour,\u2019 says the submission.<\/p>\n

The Wave Bristol opened in 2019 and attracts 250,000 people per year.<\/p>\n

APG said Surf London would \u2018build upon this successful model\u2019 while being \u2018tailored to the unique character and opportunities of the Lee Valley Regional Park\u2019.<\/p>\n

The Enfield scheme will also upgrade the existing campsite and add additional accommodation buildings. There will be a shelter with a viewing deck as well as a \u2018viewpoint structure\u2019, a pavilion, a park and external play areas.<\/p>\n

The site sits on designated green-belt land, which planning documents said \u2018contributes to a significant corridor of green and blue infrastructure in north London\u2019.<\/p>\n

They added: \u2018Above all, the architecture [of Surf London] is people-first: designed to be inclusive, navigable and delightful across generations, cultures and abilities. The spaces support active lives and quiet moments alike, while embedding principles of safety, dignity and belonging.\u2019<\/p>\n

Parsons said the scheme was built on principles the practice established at the Bristol scheme, and embraced a \u2018reduce, reuse and recycle philosophy\u2019.<\/p>\n

He continued: \u2018We\u2019ve created a low-impact building with minimal circulation, using low-carbon and recycled materials. The glulam and timber structure is left exposed to foster a connection with nature and frame views of the surf lake.\u2019<\/p>\n

MOOWD founding director Michael Cowdy said: \u2018We\u2019re excited to receive unanimous approval, which shows strong support for a landscape-led vision.<\/p>\n

\u2018Surf London opens land for people and nature, transforming a private golf course into a community landscape where surfing, ecology and play come together, setting a new benchmark for regeneration and bringing us one step closer to realising this bold vision for the capital.\u2019<\/p>\n

Crest Experiences has projected that Surf London will create 50 full-time and 150 part-time jobs for the area.<\/p>\n

Its chief executive, Hazel Geary, said: \u2018We\u2019re incredibly grateful to the London Borough of Enfield for their support. We recognise that this is not final approval, and we\u2019ll continue to work closely with the authorities to complete the application. This is a big milestone for Surf London.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

APG Architecture plans for Surf London: fa\u00e7ade study<\/p>\n

Project data<\/p>\n

Location Lee Valley, London
Local authority Enfield
Type of project Active leisure designation with surfing at its heart
Client Crest Experiences
Masterplanner and landscape architect\u00a0MOOWD
Architect APG Architecture
Planning consultant BNP Paribas
Structural engineer Willis Hazell
M&E consultant Griffith Evans
Quantity surveyor\u00a0Omisa
Principal designer Omisa
Lighting consultant\u00a0Griffith Evans
Project manager Wrenbridge Sport
Tender date\u00a0Autumn 2025
Start on site\u00a0End of 2025
Completion\u00a0Summer 2027
Contract duration 18 months
Gross internal floor area 2,500m\u00b2 clubhouse building
Annual CO2 emissions An operational energy figure for regulated energy of 12.79 kgCO2e\/m2\/yr has been used to calculate a whole life total of 1,930 tonnes CO2e (767 kgCO2e\/m2).
Upfront carbon at practical completion (A1-A5):\u00a01,857 tonnes CO2e (738 kgCO2e\/m2)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

APG Architecture plans for Surf London<\/p>\n

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