There’s nothing like it here in the North West.
As TraffordCity undergoes a huge long-term expansion, we’ve caught wind of the latest plans set to make waves at the next-level leisure destination. And when we say ‘make waves’, we mean both literally and figuratively.
Currently slated to open in 2023, a unique attraction called Modern Surf has just received approval from Trafford Council, with McKinney Group and Peel L&P at the helm of it – the latter of which is responsible for the huge redevelopment of The Lowry Outlet and the brand new RHS Bridgewater garden.
Set to be the first of its kind here in the North West, Modern Surf will be an inland surfing destination – allowing visitors of all ages and abilities to get on a board and catch some waves. Designed as a ‘safe cove environment’, the facility will use Wavegarden technology – the world leader in man-made, wave-generating technologies – creating consistent waves for beginners, learners and professionals alike to enjoy.
In addition, the surf lake will also be home to a café/restaurant terrace, pop-up beach bars, surf shop, and changing facilities all within an interactive environment with everything from pump track and fitness zone to a halfpipe/boarding area, and exercise, bouldering and balancing zones.
James Whittaker, Executive Development Director at Peel L&P said: “It’s fantastic to see the plans for this unique and world-class facility move forwards, following the public consultation period. At Peel L&P, we’re committed to investing and developing TraffordCity for the benefit of the local community and economy.
“Our partnerships with developers and leisure businesses, such as McKinney Group, continue to enable us to make the TraffordCity one of the most experiential retail and leisure destinations in the UK.”
Paul Shuker, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton said: “We predict that this development will bring a huge boost to the local tourism sector, with over 350,000 extra visitors to TraffordCity, generating over £18 million a year.
“As well a boost to tourism, the development is also estimated to create up to 240 permanent jobs once open, both directly and indirectly, with a further 60 jobs created during construction.
“McKinney Group’s plans will enable those living across Greater Manchester and the North West to access an Olympic Sport that is growing in popularity, will help to promote an active lifestyle more generally, and will put Greater Manchester on the surfing circuit for local, national and international competitions.”
Modern Surf is currently earmarked to open in 2023 and will join the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort – Therme Manchester – which is under construction now.