Bournemouth Borough Council has awarded the contract to build the first artificial surf reef, off the coast of Boscombe in Dorset, UK, to New Zealand-based marine consultants and designers ASR.

The company was originally commissioned as the reef’s designer and has subsequently established a construction division which will build the reef under a performance-based contract which requires the reef to be competed by 31 December 2008 at the latest.

The contract stipulates that the new reef must provide a wave ride length of 10-to-12-seconds and double the amount of surfing days in Boscombe to 200 a year. The contract will have a 10 per cent retention in case the reef does not meet these specifications.

The construction of the reef will create a lagoon that will provide non-surfing visitors with a safe place to swim. Roger Brown, head of leisure services at the council, says the lagoon will enhance Boscombe’s appeal to a wider market, and will add to the benefits for seafront retailers and restaurants.

The development of the reef is part of a regeneration masterplan for Boscombe that will include the revitalisation of the Pier and Overstrand. Additional facilities will include ‘super surf pods’ designed by Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway, a surf-themed retail outlet, surfing academy and glass-fronted restaurant that will offer panoramic views of Bournemouth and the Solent. There will also be a catering outlet, changing rooms, toilets and showers.

Roger Brown, head of leisure services at the council, said: “Bournemouth and Poole have an excellent reputation as a leading water sports destinations however, the reef will put Boscombe firmly on the surfing map.

“Weather conditions permitting, we anticipate to complete the reef by Autumn 2008 and this will result in the surf reef and land-based retail, catering, and surf-instruction facilities being completed together,” adds Browns.