The Wave is proposing to construct the watersports facility on Green Belt land currently used as a golf course

An existing surfing facility (credit Endless Surf) — An existing surfing facility similar to what is planned in Enfield (credit Endless Surf)

A surfing company aiming to bring a “slice of the ocean” to Enfield borough has revealed more details about its £50million plans ahead of a public consultation.

The idea of creating an artificial wave facility near Pickett’s Lock, for surfing and other similar watersports, was first mooted in 2018 and again in 2022 – but detailed plans have now been revealed for the first time.

The Wave, the company proposing the facility, wants it to be built immediately to the east of Lee Valley Athletics Centre on Green Belt land currently comprising Lee Valley Golf Course and Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park. It was previously reported that both these facilities would need to close down to accommodate the surfing facility, but Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) says this is no longer the case.

According to LVRPA: “The proposed plans also consider a golfing experience as part of the offer and the campsite would be reimagined as part of the development. Activities at the world-class Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Odeon Luxe Lee Valley and the wedding venue would continue as normal.”

A wave-making technology provider, Endless Surf, has been appointed to help develop the scheme, which would occupy 40 hectares of land. A public consultation will now take place in March with an aim to submit a formal planning application in spring.

The Wave claims the scheme would help create an “oasis of sport, health, wellbeing, relaxation, leisure, nature and biodiversity” in this part of the borough. An existing lake to the north of the Lee Valley Leisure Complex will not be affected by The Wave, according to the company.

A consultation event to showcase the designs will take place on Saturday, 1^st March at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, from 10am–2pm. For those who can’t make the event, more details are available online where people can submit feedback during the consultation.

The Wave opened its first site in Bristol in 2019 and says it is “on a mission to share the health benefits and pure joy of surfing with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities”.

Hazel Geary, chief executive of The Wave, said: “I’m so excited that our plans to bring a slice of the ocean to London are progressing. We have been working closely with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for a number of years to develop plans for this incredible, but underused, land in the London borough of Enfield. To have found the right technology provider for this site and be able to consult on the revised plans is a big step forward.

“London is one of the world’s most dynamic and influential cities. With its diverse population, strong sports culture, and high volume of visitors, it is the perfect location for an inland surfing experience. We can’t wait to bring the many physical and mental health benefits of surfing inland, to an urban environment and to those who can’t easily access the coast.

“This site is in many ways a hidden oasis. As we have done in Bristol, we want to increase biodiversity, enhance the green space, help people access it and encourage everyone to get outside in nature.”

LVRPA remains the landowner of the site but is “wholly supportive” of the project. Chief executive Shaun Dawson said: “We are delighted that The Wave’s plans for our site in Edmonton are progressing.

“Lee Valley Leisure Complex has a history of breaking new ground in sport and leisure – from being the home of what was once Europe’s largest leisure centre to today’s hugely popular Lee Valley Athletics Centre. If these plans are approved, The Wave would be a phenomenal new regional leisure hub offering a variety of outdoor activities, with surfing as the incredible jewel in its crown.

“This would be a perfect addition to the sport and leisure opportunities on offer across the 26-mile-long Lee Valley Regional Park and open up surfing for millions of people. The proposed plans are looking at the feasibility of retaining a golfing experience and enhanced natural green spaces for the local community to enjoy.

“We strive to provide opportunities that attract people from across London, Essex and Hertfordshire and beyond to enjoy Lee Valley Regional Park, and we feel that The Wave has the potential to be a truly outstanding new leisure attraction.”

A masterplan by The Wave for the site near Pickett's Lock — A masterplan by The Wave for the site near Pickett’s Lock

Commenting on the partnership with The Wave, Paul Chutter, president at Endless Surf, said: “For us, this partnership is the perfect fit. We’re proud to work alongside a surf park industry pioneer to bring Endless Surf waves to the exciting global metropolis that is London. The Wave has already demonstrated its ability to create a thriving surf destination, and we’re thrilled to help create what will be a landmark project for the entire surf industry.”

To find out more about The Wave and take part in the consultation from March:
Visit thewave.com/the-wave-london

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