Proposed Melbourne surf lagoon and waterpark development gains planning approval

A proposed massive indoor-outdoor waterpark, surf lagoon and aquarium attraction in south east Melbourne has been given ‘approval to proceed’ by the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program approval of the project as of last month comes five years after the SurfnPlay Aqua Park was first proposed for a site in Dingley Village.

The $171 million development, originally proposed by property and construction company Pellicano and hotel, restaurant and bar operator Zagame, but now being advanced solely by Pellicano, covers a four-hectare site.

Designed by Melbourne architectural firm Peddle Thorpe the attraction has an 18,200 metres² interior space and a further 20,000 metres² outdoors.

Promoted as “the biggest indoor water park in the southern hemisphere”, concepts show it featuring an Endless Surf wave pool, numerous waterslides, a 423-metre long lazy river that will take guests underneath a massive freshwater aquarium and an interactive ski-slide along with a variety of food and beverage outlets.

Its indoor and outdoor spaces will include retractable glass walls and bulk heads that will seal its outdoor features allowing people to enjoy the attraction during the Melbourne winter.

Modifications to the project since its initial proposal include a 30% reduction in building mass, a 25% increase in landscaping, and a doubling of solar panels to cover nearly 5,500 metres² of roof space.

Its approval last month requires the developer to plant 1000 indigenous trees to revegetate unused parts of the site, and there will be construction management conditions in place.

In addition, as reported by Time Out Melbourne, Pellicano has collaborated with Melbourne Water and VicRoads over the past 18 months to address concerns and reach agreements in principle.

Pellicano Managing Director Nando Pellicano stated that the design team and construction division have worked to be more efficient in response to Council concerns, resulting in a more scientifically approached build while maintaining an architecturally impressive structure.

Backing the new attraction, a Victorian Government spokesperson advised “Melbourne was the first place in Australia to have a surf park, now there will be a second - injecting millions into the economy, creating hundreds of jobs and an entertainment hub for families across Melbourne’s south east.

While no dates have been provided for a construction timeline, the Urban Developer reported “construction is expected to begin in (the) coming months ahead of completion in 2027.”

While not advising of dates, Nando Pellicano said that he is looking forward to “delivering a new tourism landmark for local and international visitors”.

Plans have now been lodged with the City of Kingston.

Images: Renders from 2020 show attractions at the proposed SurfnPlay Aqua Park. Courtesy of Pellicano.