The Wave, Bristol

Award Winning Visionary Inland Surfing Destination

A large blue outdoor wave pool with a mechanized wave generator on the right.

Modern cafe interior with people socializing around a high table and seated on benches, surrounded by plants and decorated with hanging lights.

Aerial view of an artificial wave pool surrounded by green fields and countryside, featuring tents and buildings nearby.

Artificial wave pool with surfers riding waves, surrounded by a modern facility and walkways.

Interior of a modern café with wooden tables, hanging pendant lights, plants, and people sitting and eating.

Winner: RICS Social Impact Award

Winner: Michelmores - Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year

Winner: ICE People’s Choice Award

Winner: Constructing Excellence South West - Civils Project of The Year

Winner: British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA) – Cultural & Leisure Project of the Year

Winner: Business Green Awards – Green Building Project of the Year

This groundbreaking project involved the construction of a 200-metre inland surf lagoon, powered by cutting-edge Wavegarden Cove technology – the first of its kind in the UK. The facility can generate up to 1,000 high-quality waves per hour, with wave heights ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to nearly 2m (6.5ft), catering to all skill levels.

A key factor in the successful delivery of this project was the continuous collaboration between Wavegarden’s specialist design team and the wider supply chain. This ensured the client’s unique vision was realised, incorporating innovation, performance, and operational excellence.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The Wave’s sustainability strategy adopted a ‘triple bottom line’ approach—balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations. Guided by the principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle," the development sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious design in recreational facilities.

The Surf Lagoon features a structurally complex design, including a fibre-reinforced bathymetry slab, substantial retaining walls, and a 100-metre viewing pier that extends into the lake, offering unparalleled access for visitors and spectators. The entire lagoon is powered by 100% renewable electricity, enabling year-round surfing regardless of weather or tide conditions.

The Visitor Centre was designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. Approximately 90% of the wall components were constructed from timber, and the Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure was left exposed, eliminating the need for conventional ceiling finishes and associated materials. The roof deck is insulated using Rockwool, which can later be repurposed for acoustic panels, while the steel roof is composed of 70% recycled content and is fully recyclable. Solarwater heaters are installed on the roof to help reduce the building’s energy demand for hot water.

The development also includes extensive external works such as car parking, a designated camping site, and landscaped active gardens. These outdoor spaces are designed to evolve and mature over time, enhancing biodiversity and providing additional recreational value for years to come.

Hydrock, now part of Stantec, acted as Client Representative for The Wave project near Bristol, overseeing the phases of work delivered by Andrew Scott Ltd in their role as Principal Contractor.

During the initial infrastructure and enabling works phase, Andrew Scott Ltd successfully completed the enabling works, surf lagoon, visitor centre, and associated infrastructure.

These works were delivered to the client’s satisfaction—on programme, on budget, and with no quality-related issues. The professional approach of both the site and head office teams was instrumental in helping the client manage and limit project risks at a critical stage of development.

Additionally, their commitment to health, safety, and environmental controls was commendable, with zero reportable incidents throughout the delivery.

Adam Anthony, Divisional Director, Strategic Projects Hydrok now Stantec