Concept for surf park could enhance Docklands • Proposed floating beach park would have a surfing wave 160m long x 30m wide and up to 1 – 1.5m high • Water contained in a floating pool, filtered and heated • It would be the first of its kind in Australia
The Docklands could be known as Melbourne CBD’s surf spot, with a new concept for a beach and surf park at Central Piercurrently being developed by Damian Rogers Architecture and engineering and design firm, Arup.
The proposed concept, as yet still in concept phase,would offer Melbournians a beach lifestyle in the Docklands attracting locals, tourists and major international events.
The park would feature a sandy beach and floating wave pool – with water, drawn from Victoria Harbour, treated to a safe swimming water standardand located in a heated self-contained pool – would be designed to world class standards and attract users all year round. Surfers would be able to ride waves up to 1 – 1.5mhigh.Designers say the size of the surf could be changed, with more experienced surfers catching a wave 160 metres long and up to 1.8 metres (six feet) high, while beginners would feel at ease on a smaller swell.
With the Docklands population set to increase to 16,000 by 2031, attract 20 million visitors each year and be a workplace for 40,000 people daily, leading urban planning expert Phil Carter from Arup has been helping develop the idea.
“This could rejuvenate the Docklands by giving the public a space they will want to use and that will also attract events and businesses,” Phil Carter,Urban and Transport Planner, Arup.
To be created over 16,000 square metres, the new beach and surf park would literally float next to the existing Central Pier, retaining the heritage sheds and the important history of the pier where the American Fleet docked in the 1920’s when it was then known as Victoria Dock. The design would also give non-surfers the chance to participate in a range of other activities from swimming and kayaking, to winter beach soccer under lights, shopping or simply enjoying a coffee by the water.
“From a livability and wellness perspective, the surf park idea also offers a place for Docklands workers and residents to de-stress, and bring massive potential health benefits,” Phil Carter said.
Brains behind the design and architect Damian Rogers of Damian Rogers Architecture says the centre of Melbourne should make better use of the water at their fingertips.
“The city of Melbourne has some amazing attractions, but we don’t tend to use the water that surrounds us as well as we could. This surf parkconcept would create a beach lifestyle in the heart of the city,” DamianRogers, Architect, Damian Rogers Architecture said.
Damian also believes it’s a plan that can redress the imbalance between Melbourne’s famous parks and gardens of old and the newer style of dense urban developments.
“Our number plates used to say ‘The Garden State’ because we were once a city of parks and open spaces. Recent developments have seen a shift, with more dense hi-rise, and this plan could help maintain that important balance between the two,” Damian Rogers said. Max Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Surfing Victoria has lent his support to the concept.
“To bring the surf to the city is great idea, especially to a site like Central Pier in the Docklands. I can imagine having surfers in suits heading for an after work session and kids coming to the Docklands carry surfboards on Melbourne’s trains and trams,” Max Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Surfing Victoria
Similar concepts have proven successful elsewhere in the world with projects like Plus Pool in New York showcasing how the community can gather around innovative and city shaping concepts.
Damian Rogers Architecture and Arup are currently in discussions with potential financial backers and are also considering the idea of crowd funding.
FAST FACTS: • Would be first park of its kind in Australia • Floating wave pool for surfers: size of the surf could be changed, with more experienced surfers catching a wave 160metres long x 30metres wide and up to 1 – 1.5metres high, while beginners would feel at ease on a small swell suitable for learning. • Deep sandy beach • Water, drawn from Victoria Harbour, would be treated to a safe swimming water standardand located in a heated self-contained pool • Activities would include surfing, swimming, running track, kayaking, riding a gondola, programs and events
