An exciting new leisure venture which will see the development of Scotland’s first artificial surf park is set to transform the disused Craigpark Quarry near Ratho, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, into a world-class family and sports destination. Developed by Tartan Leisure and designed by landscape architects HarrisonStevens, the world-class surfing facility – Wavegarden Scotland – will be created through constructing an artificial lake with revolutionary new wave technology.
Bursting with activities, Wavegarden Scotland will include a main HUB complex with a restaurant, retail outlet, surf school, wellness spa, café and surf observation deck.
Set within a scenic country park, the mixed-use development has also been given the green light for self-catering accommodation which will cater for all types of visitors, from families and school groups to professional sportspeople. With luxury lodges, accessible wave pods and much more, there is something to suit everyone!
Co-founder of Wavegarden Scotland, Andy Hadden says:
“Using surfing as a centrepiece in our plans to create one of the world’s most exciting leisure destinations is a big vision, but the plan is to be much more than just a place to surf.
“Wavegarden Scotland will be somewhere worth visiting whether you’re in or out of the water. It is set in 60 acres of country park in an old quarry that acts as a natural amphitheatre. With lodges, glamping pods, revolutionary wave-making technology and a host of local retail collaborations, it will be a place for families, friends and professionals and will inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Andy Hadden, Wavegarden Scotland.
Since planning permission was granted by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2019, the site has been undergoing enabling work in preparation for the next stage of development. Expected to create up to 130 jobs and generate up to £11m for the local economy each year, the new addition to Scotland’s leisure scene will not only act as a vibrant touristic destination, but one that will continue to support and benefit its wider community in years to come.
Speaking of the current Covid-19 pandemic, Managing Director and Co-Founder of HarrisonStevens, Martin Stevens, stressed the importance of creating a vision that will truly help to target global challenges and provide a social solution going forward:
“We work with clients to stretch their vision. We challenge and continue to seek out ‘why’ because it gives different perspectives, improved engagement and the best solutions. Our curiosity and ability to interrogate gets the best out of projects, making them not only inspiring, but deliverable and resource conscious.
“This will be needed even more in a post pandemic world. As landscape architects we have the skills needed to make meaningful impacts on some of the most important global challenges. Already we are witnessing clients making changes to projects, enhancing briefs as they reconsider space for social connection as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Our role is to collaborate with them to create harmonious relationships between context, place, people and nature.”
Martin Stevens, HarrisonStevens
Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener at The City of Edinburgh Council said:
“We’re delighted at the prospect of this exciting new addition to Edinburgh’s sport and leisure offer. Wavegarden Scotland will soon be just across the new bridge from Edinburgh International Climbing Arena in Ratho, which will together form a new sports hub in the capital. After recently becoming an Olympic sport surfing is growing in popularity, and when it opens next year, Wavegarden Scotland will give people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn how to surf and get involved in the sport.”
Cllr Donald Wilson, The City of Edinburgh Council
With Wavegarden Scotland’s new venture already creating a buzz amongst water sports enthusiasts across the country, surf lovers are getting their boards at the ready for its grand opening which is set for 2022.
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