Surfwrld & Scncwave Werne: The largest surf park in the world is to be built in the Ruhr region

Over the next few years, a future location for movement, encounters and science is to be created on an area of around 17 hectares at the former Werne colliery, with an artificial wave at its centre. The city council has just approved the project with the somewhat unwieldy name SURFWRLD & SCNCWAVE by a large majority. According to a press release, SURFWRLD is being designed as a modern surfing and leisure centre that will attract people from all over Europe and is "expected to become the largest surf park in the world". With a length of 242 metres in the main pool, the facility will allow waves of more than two metres in height, and barrels will also be possible. An additional ten metre wide covered standing wave completes the offer.

According to those responsible, the planned facility in Werne will utilise a new, efficient wave drive technology that is currently being patented. This technology enables lower admission prices than other surf parks, while at the same time increasing operating efficiency, according to the aim. The convenient location between the Ruhr area and Münsterland also opens up a catchment area of around 20 million people that extends far into the Netherlands.

Research centre for hydrodynamics uses the wave pool

The SCNCWAVE research centre, which is intended to open up new avenues for research and development in the fields of hydrodynamics, maritime technology and renewable energies, will be connected to the surf park. The wave machines are capable of generating wave effects up to over 3 metres high or 150 metres wide for research purposes in the large basin, including otherwise rare cross-seas of considerable height. The first research co-operations have already been established even before the start of construction. A project to develop innovative support structures for floating photovoltaic systems is already underway and will utilise the technical facilities for load tests once they are completed. In addition, a research network has been set up with several universities and research institutions as well as corporate co-operations on the subject of disaster protection.

The SURFWRLD & SCNCWAVE project focuses on the sustainable reutilisation of the former colliery wasteland. The building plots previously redeveloped by RAG have already been acquired by SW GmbH, which is responsible for the project. The plant will be constructed in several phases without additional land consumption in sensitive locations. According to those responsible for the project, early environmental compensation has already been completed and approved by the nature conservation authority. The decision on the articles of association marks the end of a planning phase lasting several years. The building applications have already been submitted and construction is scheduled to begin this year. A hotel and another large wave pool are also planned in further construction phases. A comprehensive landscaping concept should make all traces of the former industrial site disappear after completion.

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