OCULUS has been engaged by Australian start-up URBNSURF to collaborate with architects ClarkeHopkinsClarke on the design of a new state-of-the-art artificial surf park at Sydney Olympic Park.

OCULUS will be responsible for the design of all the public domain within the park, including entry plaza, events spaces, children’s play, terraced viewing/passive space and outdoor lounge. Surrounded by Haslams Creek wetland reserve on all sides, the 3.2-hectare former carpark site demands careful consideration of adjoining ecosystems.

The project will deliver a major recreational and tourism facility to the Western Sydney region, delivering perfect waves day in, day out. The Sydney Olympic Park site will be the second surf park completed in Australia, after the completion of the Tullamarine park in Melbourne in 2019.

"URBNSURF Sydney will be capable of generating up to 1000 surfing waves, of up to two metres in height every hour, and will provide customised surfing experiences to suit all ability levels and board types," said Andrew Ross, founder and chairman of URBNSURF (via Concrete Playground).

In addition to everyday operations, the park needs to cater for a variety of events throughout the year, including both amateur and pro surfing comps, as well as festivals dedicated to music, art, film, food, drink, culture and more. A beach club, restaurant, bar, café and pop-ups will also feature across the expansive site.

URBNSURF Sydney is expected to open late 2021/early 2022.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.