‘Detailed investigation’ planned for Parkwood wave pool as Gold Coast owners call for community feedback

A “detailed investigation” into the Gold Coast’s first commercial wave pool is on the way as developers call on the community for feedback.

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A “DETAILED investigation” into the Gold Coast’s first commercial wave pool is on the way as operators call for community feedback.

The proposed $35 million wave pool is earmarked for The Club Parkwood Village, beside an already existing 18-hole golf course and retirement village.

Area councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden revealed last week he had met Senior City Planning Officers, the Mayor’s office and Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager.

The groups met to discuss the flood plain and noise mitigation for residents whose homes back onto the proposed site, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden said.

“(Mr Altschwager) actually lives there so he’s got a first-hand interest in it,” he said.

“They’re going to be spending a fortune on it if they do build it so they’re going to do a thorough job.

“It’s another addition for recreation (and) another reason for people to come to the Gold Coast.

“We’ve also looked at competitive costing so it will well and truly be something for locals. I can imagine a few people will pick up a new hobby.”

The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon will feature a beach-like lagoon and waves which can be tailored for everyone from beginners to ace surfers.

Luke Altschwager.

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden. Pic Mike Batterham

It is hoped the project will be open to the public by 2023.

Mr Altschwager had already met with several councillors and taken almost three dozen calls from residents fielding questions and concerns.

“It’s standard process, traditionally we do community consultation, council consultation and then we speak to (our planners),” he said.

“We want to make sure there’s no impact to existing residents. We came away (from meetings) quite confident.

“We’re not coming at it from a development background. We live and die by the quality of what we’re doing for the community.”

Mr Altschwager earlier this month said the “cutting edge” pool would be able to generate waves up to 2.4m in size.

It would be the “biggest tourist drawcard” for the Gold Coast in two decades, he said.

“People across the globe will be attracted to the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon as it will be a unique and quality experience with better waves and can have a large number of people in the pool at the one time,” he said.

“The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon will provide a real destination attraction to the city. I believe it’s the biggest tourist drawcard that has been done on the Gold Coast in over 20 years.

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