A world-first surf park at Melbourne Airport will soon be making waves, with construction set to start this month.
The $28 million project by URBNSURF has been given final planning approval to bring the world’s first full-sized Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon to Tullamarine.
The 2.1 hectare lagoon is about the size of the MCG and will be able to host up to 84 surfers per hour across six surfing zones.
URBNSURF hopes the lagoon will pump out up to 1000, two-metre ocean-like surfing waves every hour.
The surf park is expected to open by Easter 2019.
URBNSURF founder Andrew Ross said the state-of-the-art facility would provide a safe and convenient surfing experience for all skill levels, year-round.
The precinct will also feature food outlets, a bar, retail store, surf and hire shop, a surfing academy and fitness classes. There are also plans to host festivals and events at the site.
“We’re delighted to be bringing the southern hemisphere’s first surf park facility to Melbourne, the traditional home of Australian sport,” Mr Ross said.
“URBNSURF Melbourne unlocks the geographic limitations of surfing by bringing the beach to your backyard.”
More than 300 jobs are expected to be created during construction of the surf park, with another 50 full-time positions to be created when it opens.
Hume mayor Geoff Porter said he was ‘delighted” by the jobs boost offered by the project.
