APG Architecture, in collaboration with masterplanner and landscape architect MOOWD, has secured a major approval from Enfield Council for an ambitious surfing complex project located near Edmonton in north London. The innovative scheme, which represents a significant milestone in the development of water-based leisure facilities in the UK, now awaits final authorization from the Greater London Authority (GLA) before construction can commence.

The project, known as Surf London, will transform an existing golf course and campsite within the Lee Valley Leisure Complex into a state-of-the-art active leisure park featuring a 200-meter-wide surf lake spanning an impressive 420,000 square meter site. APG Architecture, which previously delivered a similar successful project in Bristol, has designed a comprehensive two-story clubhouse building that will incorporate multiple amenities including a café, retail shop, changing facilities, wellness spaces, office areas, and a central operations hub for the entire facility.

The development is backed by Crest Experiences, formerly known as The Wave Group, the same developer behind APG's Bristol surfing facility. Following the local approval from Enfield Council, Crest Experiences anticipates that the GLA will complete its final assessments by the end of this year, which would enable construction to begin in 2026. The masterplan, led by MOOWD, strategically integrates the inland surf lake with ecological restoration initiatives and inclusive public parkland within the broader Lee Valley area.

Beyond the central surf lake, the comprehensive facility will feature an array of additional recreational amenities designed to serve diverse community needs. These include various sports courts, a cycling pump track and bowl, and dedicated routes for skating activities. The project represents years of planning and development, according to APG director Adam Parsons, who submitted the application to Enfield Council in May of this year.

Parsons expressed particular enthusiasm about the project's introduction of cutting-edge Endless Surf technology to the UK market for the first time. While APG's Bristol facility utilizes a Wavegarden Cove system for wave generation, the new Endless Surf system promises to deliver a more versatile, ocean-like surfing experience in an inland setting. According to planning documents, the technology's unique heart-shaped design maximizes usable wave space, enabling simultaneous surfing zones accommodating different skill levels while supporting a higher volume of surfers per hour.

The success of APG's previous project provides a strong foundation for the new development. The Wave Bristol, which opened in 2019, has attracted approximately 250,000 visitors annually, demonstrating the significant demand for such facilities. APG representatives stated that Surf London will build upon this proven successful model while being specifically tailored to reflect the unique character and opportunities presented by the Lee Valley Regional Park.

The Enfield scheme encompasses extensive upgrades and additions beyond the surf lake itself. Plans include comprehensive improvements to the existing campsite and the construction of additional accommodation buildings. The development will also feature a shelter with an integrated viewing deck, a dedicated viewpoint structure, a pavilion, parkland areas, and external play spaces designed to serve visitors of all ages and abilities.

The project site occupies designated green-belt land, which planning documents identify as contributing to a crucial corridor of green and blue infrastructure in north London. The architectural approach prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, with planning documents stating: "Above all, the architecture of Surf London is people-first: designed to be inclusive, navigable and delightful across generations, cultures and abilities. The spaces support active lives and quiet moments alike, while embedding principles of safety, dignity and belonging."

Sustainability principles form a cornerstone of the project's design philosophy. Parsons explained that the scheme builds upon principles established during the Bristol project and embraces a comprehensive "reduce, reuse and recycle" philosophy. The architectural approach emphasizes low-impact construction with minimal circulation requirements, utilizing low-carbon and recycled materials throughout. The structure features exposed glulam and timber construction designed to foster a connection with nature while framing optimal views of the surf lake.

MOOWD founding director Michael Cowdy celebrated the unanimous approval, describing it as strong support for a landscape-led vision. "Surf London opens land for people and nature, transforming a private golf course into a community landscape where surfing, ecology and play come together, setting a new benchmark for regeneration and bringing us one step closer to realizing this bold vision for the capital," Cowdy stated.

The economic impact of the project is expected to be substantial for the local community. Crest Experiences has projected that Surf London will generate approximately 50 full-time positions and 150 part-time jobs for the surrounding area. The company's chief executive, Hazel Geary, expressed gratitude to the London Borough of Enfield for their support while acknowledging that additional approvals remain necessary. "We recognize that this is not final approval, and we'll continue to work closely with the authorities to complete the application. This is a big milestone for Surf London," Geary said.

The project timeline indicates that tendering will begin in autumn 2025, with construction scheduled to start by the end of 2025 and completion targeted for summer 2027, representing an 18-month construction duration. The clubhouse building will encompass 2,500 square meters of gross internal floor area, with environmental considerations including an operational energy figure for regulated energy of 12.79 kgCO2e/m2/yr, calculating to a whole life total of 1,930 tonnes CO2e. The upfront carbon at practical completion is projected at 1,857 tonnes CO2e, demonstrating the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.