The inhabitants of Melbourne have to drive one hour to reach Bells Beach, the Australian surfing paradise. Based on this observation, Damian Rogers, an architect with a passion for surfing, has invented a crazy project, a surf park in the middle of Melbourne. The place chosen by the young man is none other than the Docklands Central Pier district, in full mutation and whose surf park "could bring hundreds of visitors to a neighborhood that could use a focal point" explains Damian Rogers.
In collaboration with the design and engineering company, Arup, famous for the design of the Sydney Opera House, the Australian architect has started working on his project. The idea would be to build a giant wave pool (30 meters wide) in the middle of the city and the waves could reach 1.50 meters high. The height can be adjusted, allowing novices as well as the most advanced to have fun on the hollows. The complex would also integrate an artificial beach, green spaces and stores for those who do not surf. "Even if you don't know how to surf, you can come and relax on the beach or walk around the pier." explains Damian Rogers.
An 8 million euro project
Surfing in the middle of skyscrapers comes at a price! It will cost 8 million euros to build the heated salt water pool and all the elements of the complex. The Melbourne City Council has declared that the project is interesting if private investors contribute to the project.
