Silvertown Quays gets Xtreme Sept 07
The
developers of the £1.5 billion Silvertown Quays development have released
conceptual images of Venture Xtreme, a unique surf centre and extreme sports
complex, the first project of its kind in the world, designed by Baca
Architects. The surf centre is a conceptual project which may form part of the
visitor attraction area at Silvertown Quays. If it goes ahead the surf centre
will be located alongside the aquarium Biota! and will include
The
Venture Xtreme surf centre proposals will spectacularly animate a large part of
the former pontoon docks, bringing the water to life in an exciting and dynamic
way sitting alongside markets, specialist sports shops, waterside restaurants
and cafes.
Silvertown Quays Venture Xtreme complex will be built in two stages, the first
being the outdoor facilities and surf centre followed by the indoor adventure
centre.
The
surf pool forms the centre of this outdoor experience, built into the existing
dock. A series of ‘extreme’ structures and facilities draw upon the character of
the rich industrial past to create iconic forms and public spaces. A giant 9m
high wave tank doubles as a climbing wall and TV screen. Adjustable ‘crane’
lighting rigs illuminate the surf pool and the ‘silver sand’ beach. A beach bar,
floating bistro, sports shops, and the indoor Venture Xtreme centre complete
this unique urban sports experience.
The
Silvertown surf centre will be a world first; a totally unique facility offering
perfect surf waves 365 days a year. The finger docks in front and to the left of
Biota! will be opened up to create the
The
centre is expected to attract 100,000 surfers and body-boarders a year along
with five times as many spectators. Waves of all shapes and sizes can be created
for all levels of ability from total novice to professional surfer.
The
perfect white sand beach will be 100m wide and up to 25m from front to back,
giving enough space for over 200 swimmers, sunbathers and surfers. In the
evenings it will be possible to rent fire pits for larger groups and barbeque
areas as well as to just chill out on the beach with a drink from the bar. Beach
bars, hammocks, palm trees and board walks all add to the atmosphere.
Surfing will operate through the summer, flood lit in the evenings to create a
fantastic viewing spectacle. The waves will be over looked by spectators on the
beach and in bars and restaurants wrapped around the arena.
A
themed rock effect climbing wall, of 24m wide, 9 m deep and up to 12 m high,
will be the largest outdoor wall in the country and offer over 50 climbing
routes. On the front elevation, facing the beach and boardwalk will be a giant
LED screen of over 100 square metres.
In the
second phase of the Silvertown development, the lower floors of the major
dockside site, immediately to the East of the aquarium, will house London’s
first extreme sports complex, complimenting the surf centre in the dock and
providing year round adventure facilities for the local residents, Londoners and
those further a field.
- an indoor wave rider (great fun for all, but it also allows surfers to learn or train before going out into the main pool),
-
a climbing wall, complimenting the outdoor facility,
-
a scuba dive tank,
-
ropes course,
-
ice climbing wall,
-
children’s snow room
-
ice bar
In
addition, further specialist retail units including a dive shop and general
outdoor climbers shop will support these new sports areas.
The
indoor extreme sports zone will be linked by a bridge directly to the operations
hub of the surf centre.
Committed to contemporary design and the creation of visionary and iconic
buildings, the developments and associated outdoor activity areas will be
carefully integrated into their environment and will complement the design
standard of the entire Silvertown Quays development and of Biota!
