February 4, 2013: Details are announced today of a potential new leisure development for the Isle of Wight (IOW). The team behind the development of the inland surfing facility. The Wave Bristol, has revealed that it is in discussion regarding The Wave: IOW.
Wavegarden Prototype Pool Spain. Image: Wavegarden & Instant Sport
The Wave brings together surfing, nature and education to create a brilliant day out for everyone. At the centre of the plans is a lake in which cutting edge technology generates perfect peeling waves of up to 1.6 metros high, at a rate of approximately 120 waves per hour – with room for both experienced surfers and those trying it for the first time. But it’s not just about surfing. Expertly designed botanical and healing gardens surrounding the lake will be created to provide a wonderful experience in their own right.
Following a market review carried out by Colliers International, the team behind The Wave were approached last year by Wightlink and the Isle of Wight Council about the possibility of creating a site on the island. Both organizations have provided some initial funding to help establish the viability of the scheme. Co-founder of The Wave, Tobin Coles, comments:
“We were already planning to build another ‘Wave’ elsewhere in the UK and were keen to look at locations on the south coast. The Isle of Wight is a great fit for The Wave – it is rural, has a resident surfing community but also attracts a good influx of tourists every year. We are in discussions with a number of key organizations, such as the Council and Wightlink, regarding the project but can now confirm that it is definitely our intention to create The Wave: IOW.”
Cory Lopez enjoying Wavegarden’s prototype model in Spain. Image: Wavegarden & Instant Sport
Stuart Love, Strategic Director of Economy & Environment for the Isle of Wight Council said: ” The Island has long been known for its outdoor attractions and as a place where visitors can participate in a diverse range of outdoor sports and activities. We are delighted, therefore that The Wave team views the Island as a place for investment in a facility that would enhance our reputation as a tourist destination as well as offering a new amenity for residents.
“Given that any development would require planning permission, we are continuing to work with The Wave team to help them put forward a sustainable planning application.”
The Wave Sustainable Development Plan
Clive Tilley, Commercial Director of Wightlink, is a key supporter of the project. He said: “We believe that The Wave: IOW has great potential to extend the appeal of the Island to leisure visitors and presents us with an unmissable opportunity to significantly increase visitor numbers. Not only will it offer a superb day out for visitors from the mainland catchment area, but it will also stimulate more demand for short breaks by holiday makers from further afield – a key objective for all of us involved in the Island’s tourism.”
An element that cemented The Wave team’s decision to come to the Isle of Wight is the ‘Ecoisland’ initiative.
David Thornton, chief executive of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, said: “Over the next few years we have set challenging targets for the Isle of Wight to increase its share of the domestic and international tourism market.
“With the tremendous increase in interest in activity-based holidays, The Wave:IOW is an ideal vehicle for the Island and will provide a unique new attraction that can help us to achieve those objectives.
Mr Coles added: “We are really excited about the prospect of The Wave:IOW and are already assessing a number of sites around the Island.
“We hope to make an announcement regarding a preferred location in the near future. It’s really important to us that The Wave is open to everyone – residents and tourists of all ages, all backgrounds and all abilities. We will be consulting widely and look forward to getting people’s feedback, this is a critical part of the process and will be used to shape the future of the project on the Island.”
Learn more about the project and The Wave team at The-Wave.co.uk
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