Subi Surf Park | Australia’s First Wavegarden Coming to WA

Subiaca Oval could be turned into a $120m Urban Surf Park

Rendering of Subi Surf Park. Image: Wave Park Group and MJA Studio

In a joint venture between MJA Studio and Wave Park Group, Subiaco could become home to Australia’s first surf park, utilising the groundbreaking “Wavegarden” wave generating technology used so far in two European surf parks, and a surf park under construction in Austin, Texas, with many more planned around the globe.

Encompassing Australia’s first Wave Garden lagoon, Subi Surf Park is a diverse mixed use program accommodating a dedicated market hall and plaza, hospitality and wellness venues, up to 200 dual-aspect apartments, a permanent home for the West Australian Football Hall of Fame and a new elevated public parkland which will afford extensive views over Subiaco, Kings Park and the Perth city.

The inevitable closure of Domain stadium coupled with the disappearance of both Pavilion and Station Street markets presents residents and local government of Subiaco with a significant set of economic, cultural and community challenges.

This visionary proposal would create an inclusive urban landmark where residents and guests experience life-changing moments, have clean fun, get fit and feel connected through a shared passion of respect for each other and the planet.

Artist’s impression of a proposal by MJA Studio and Wave Park Group to transform Subiaco Oval into Australia’s first Wavegarden.

The landmark vision of Subi Surf Park entails:

• A 300m-long by 120m wide freshwater lagoon using groundbreaking “Wavegarden” wave generating technology only used in two European surf parks, with another under construction in Texas;
• six zones with different sized waves catering for everyone from beginners to professionals, with scope for other water-based activities including uninterrupted 300m swimming laps. Waves would be up to 2m high and travel 200m for a 30-second ride;
• 220 dual-aspect one and two bedroom apartments ranging from $500,000 to $800,000;
• new elevated public parkland (12,800sq m extension to Kitchener Park) with views over Subiaco, Kings Park and Perth CBD, inspired by New York’s High Line park;
• dedicated market hall and plaza and hospitality and wellness venues;
• 52 TERRACED homes along the railway line; and
• a permanent home for the WA Football Hall of Fame.

Interview with the Subi Surf Park Developers

Originally published on PerthNow.com on October 17 at 6:00am

MJA Studio director James Thompson hoped the public would get behind the proposal and said he believed the surf park attraction would restore Subiaco to its status as WA’s “premier cultural haven”.

He said the all-year round Wavegarden had the potential to bring 300,000 visitors to ­Subiaco each year.

“Subi Oval has inhabited its space for over 100 years and this is the first time this site has required a new use. It’s a great opportunity to rethink Subi and rethink Perth,” he said. “It’s not a crazy, billion dollar project, it’s feasible and something we could get going as soon as footy finishes if we have support from government.”

The Subi Surf Park is set to feature Wavegarden wave technology. Photo: Wave Park Group

Wave Park Group chairman Andrew Ross said the plan would enable Subiaco to retain a sporting identity after the loss of AFL to the new Perth Stadium in 2018.

“There are actually more surfers in WA than there are people who play cricket, indoor and outdoor combined. There are over 300 AFL and cricket ovals in Perth and not one dedicated surfing facility,” he said.

“Most of our good beaches are shut six months of the year to surfboards anyway … this will be the best and longest wave within a three-hour drive of Perth.”

He said developers were that excited some were prepared to sign up already even without current land rights.

The WA Football Commission holds a 99-year lease on Subiaco Oval with the council and other stakeholders working on a vision for the site’s ­future.

Premier Colin Barnett has previously said Subiaco Oval should be demolished for housing development. A spokeswoman for Planning Minister John Day said he had not seen this proposal.

City of Subiaco CEO Don Burnett said: “The City is aware of a number of options proposed for the future of Subiaco Oval. We expect to make a recommendation in the near ­future for our preferred use of the broader site.”