Exciting latest pictures of the proposed inland surfing lagoon creating Kent’s first surfing “wave garden”, alongside a 120-bed luxury spa hotel for Betteshanger Country Park, SE England have been released by architecture firm - Hollaway Studio. Subject to planning approval in early 2023, the combined £50 million project, known as The Seahive, is scheduled to open in April 2025. Read in detail about this project on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
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Hollaway Studio, the award-winning architecture practice which has studios in both London and Kent, has created the designs for the 15-acre site which will feature a Wavegarden Cove technology surf lagoon at its centre, which would be the second of its kind in England and the seventh of its kind in the world following facilities in Melbourne, South Korea, Switzerland, Brazil, Wales and Bristol.
The project will include ‘Lagoon Surf Hub’, overlooking the surfing lagoon, along with 15 accommodation lodges; a clubhouse with a surf academy as well as a restaurant and bar; conference facility; retail outlet; chill out spaces; a wellness centre with yoga and fitness zones, cold water therapy, meditation pavilions and a splash pool dedicated work area; and immersive balcony.
A dedicated learning hive will run a full-time schedule of courses for children via surf therapy and educational intervention programmes to enhance and protect their mental health.
In addition to the hub, there is a separate design for the destination 120-bed hotel, spa and gym.
Innovative Wavegarden Cove Technology
The revolutionary Wavegarden Cove technology for producing artificial waves featured in the lagoon, which can be used by up to 80 people at a time, offers up to 1000 perfect waves per hour similar to those in the ocean.
It can create more than 20 different wave types ranging from 50 cm to 2m in height, providing rides of up to 15 seconds long for all ages and abilities.
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Readdressing the dearth of hotel rooms
The inclusion of the hotel will work to readdress the lack of hotel rooms available in the surrounding area and welcome visitors from outside of the area.
Why a surf lagoon is proposed?
While Kent may have easy access to the sea, the inclusion of the surf lagoon at The Seahive is an exciting one as the local sea conditions are not suitable for surfing.
Jim Storey, chief executive and founder of The Seahive describes Kent as 'one of the most surf-locked' parts of the UK. "Kent is not renowned for its surfing at all, in fact, a lot of people who love surfing drive six hours to Cornwall or hop on a flight somewhere abroad and that’s not ideal when it comes to the use of fossil fuels,"
"The sea is not a particularly welcoming environment for children or people who suffer from various mental and physical disabilities but this is a space designed for all abilities. It’s a safe space where people can push boundaries, make friendships, connect with their communities and experience personal growth, he adds.
No harm to nature and biodiversity
Protesters against the proposed project were in a rage and gathered outside the park over fears that the construction will cause severe harm to plants and animals.
However, to ensure there is no damage to the existing wildlife and plans there has been in-depth research went into enhancing sustainability and biodiversity in the area. The project architects estimate that this will in fact be improved by 11 per cent, once the project gets completed, which will offset the initial loss of habitat.
Alex Kalorkoti, a consultant to Betteshanger Country Park, says in response to this: "We have been aware of the valuable habitats and important species here from the outset and we have incorporated ecology into our plans. It's not development first, and the environment as an afterthought."
"We’ve set aside 11 hectares of the country park which is furthest away from the hub activity and the car park. That land will become part of the ecological management plan," he continues.
"We are also funding an ecology warden because at the moment there are no people dedicated to ecology on the site. By doing this, the habitats are being managed in the long term, so we keep favourable conditions for lizard orchids, turtle doves and invertebrates," he concludes.
About the firm
Hollaway Studio is an award-winning architecture and interiors practice that places people and feeling at the core of its philosophy of architecture. With offices in London and Kent and a strong reputation for design, the practice is working in a wide range of sectors including hospitality, hotels, restaurants, education and housing. Hollaway has designed the world’s first multi-storey skatepark – F51, located in Folkestone – which has been named one of the “10 coolest new buildings to gawp at this year” by the Times. In recent years it has worked on a number of large-scale regeneration schemes including the restoration of five listed buildings into a mixed-use site involving four TV & Film Studios, Post Production, educational facilities and residential.
Project Details
Project Name: The Seahive
Size: 15 acres
Type of Project: Mixed-use
Location: Nr Deal, Kent
Architect: Hollaway Studio
Local Authority: Dover District Council
Client: Betteshanger Country Park
Expected Completion Year: 2025
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