Progress made on The Wave London

Sport Industry NextGen partner The Wave has announced an agreement with wave-making technology provider Endless Surf to drive forward the inland surfing development in Edmonton, London.

The news means that the planned £50m-plus North London inland surfing destination can move forward. Public consultation on the updated plans has been scheduled for March, with a planning application expected to be submitted in the spring.

The Wave London has been designed to transform approximately 100 acres of land within Lee Valley Regional Park, with the surf park occupying 56 acres.

The project builds on previous public consultation conducted in 2022 regarding The Wave’s vision for a section of the Lee Valley Leisure Complex. A revised masterplan has been developed to incorporate elements of sport, leisure, health, and biodiversity.

The consultation event will be held on Saturday 1st March, at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre. Those unable to attend in person are invited to submit a feedback form by visiting The Wave London. 

The Wave opened its first facility in Bristol in 2019 with the aim of making surfing accessible to people of all ages and abilities while sharing its health benefits and is used by a range of groups, including elite athletes, adaptive surfers, and school children.

Hazel Geary, CEO 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.”  

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, added, “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.”