It made headlines the world over when it launched in August 2015, and now world-first inland surf lagoon Surf Snowdonia looks set to make waves all over again.
The world-first surf park has launched a public consultation ahead of a planning application which, if approved, would see a multi-million-pound investment significantly expand what has already established itself as a landmark adventure destination for North Wales.
The public consultation details plans for a statement-build 4-star hotel with luxury wellness spa and extensive conference and wedding facilities. There will also be a new indoor adventure attraction to complement the adventure parc’s surfing activities.
Zip line to hotel
The new 106-bedroom hotel will feature a dramatic optional extra for guests who like to make a big entrance: a zip wire which can ‘fly’ them to check in across Surf Snowdonia’s 300-metre surf lagoon.
The hotel will offer a range of high-spec but relaxed, nature-inspired meeting and events spaces, suitable for hosting awards ceremonies, product launches, team away days, conferences and weddings.
Bedrooms will feature tiered garden balconies so that guests can enjoy the spectacular views across the surf lagoon, with Snowdonia’s forests and mountains beyond. There will be extensive landscaping and outdoor seating areas.
The hotel will be built on the shores of the lagoon, in an area which currently houses Surf Snowdonia’s glamping pod accommodation. The wooden glamping pods will be relocated to a new woodland setting on the south side of the lagoon.
Weather-proof family adventure offer
An exciting new indoor adventure attraction will complement Surf Snowdonia’s water-based activities.
Housed in a new purpose-built space of 1,250 square feet, the new-generation activity attraction will feature extreme slides, climbing walls and the kind of obstacles you might usually expect to find in a stuntman’s repertoire.
It will be constructed on a site that currently houses the Crash & Splash lagoon and will offer weather-proof activities for all ages and abilities. Three themed party rooms will offer venue hire for birthdays and other celebrations.
Economic boost
The proposed investment will effectively double Surf Snowdonia’s workforce, creating more than 100 new jobs.
It will also boost visitor numbers, expanding Surf Snowdonia’s annual season from nine months to twelve. Local businesses stand to benefit from the resulting increase in visitor stay and spend, and via a significantly expanded supply chain.
Andy Ainscough, managing director of Surf Snowdonia said:
“We’re proud to fly the flag for adventure in North Wales, it’s a brilliant region, and rightly regarded as the UK’s capital of adventure. Our plans will build on our established high-quality leisure offer and deliver a landmark destination, not just for North Wales, but for the UK and beyond.”
Jim Jones, managing director of regional marketing body North Wales Tourism, said:
“To hear that Surf Snowdonia is looking to invest further in their Dolgarrog site is great news for North Wales, this is yet more evidence that confidence in the North Wales tourism and business sector is soaring.
“Surf Snowdonia is one of our top attractions and has contributed immensely to our dynamic regional profile. It is a totally unique attraction, with a reputation that extends way beyond North Wales and it has become a destination in itself, creating employment, stimulating the supply chain, and providing a world class experience as one of a few facilities in the world that can provide inland surfing. Its events programme continues to grow, offering a variety of great experiences throughout the year for surfers and non-surfers alike.”
The public consultation will run from the end of June 2018 to the end of July 2018, ahead of the formal planning application. If approved, construction will begin in Autumn 2018. The new indoor adventure attraction will launch in summer 2019, and the hotel will welcome its first guests in spring 2020.
