Werne is planning Surfwrld: 32,500 euros for the dream of surfing!

Werne is planning Surfwrld: 32,500 euros for the dream of surfing!

In Werne, the “Surfworld” project is creating a lot of waves – not just in the city, but also in the region. Now that the plans for the largest wave surfing facility in the world are becoming more and more concrete, the city is faced with the crucial question of whether it will cover the planning costs of 32,500 euros. This issue was recently hotly debated in the Urban Development Committee, and a final decision from the City Council is expected in early July 2025. The surf park project has long been viewed as an important enrichment for Werne and the surrounding area, even if questions about financing and further planning remain unanswered. All necessary building applications have currently been submitted and must now be discussed by the city in order to pave the way for construction to begin. However, when exactly this can take place remains to be seen, as a specific date has not yet been set. As Antenne Unna reports, those involved hope to receive the green light for the start soon.

But the project also suffered setbacks. Secure funding of around two million euros for the entire project has already been granted, but support for the scientific area “Sciencewave” has been rejected. These developments make it clear that despite progress, there are also challenges to be overcome, especially since planning began over five years ago and has already been met with protests. However, these complications are unlikely to dampen enthusiasm - citizens are very interested in the development, and all relevant planning documents will be made publicly accessible from October 31st to December 6th, 2025, both in the town hall and online in the city of Werne's participation portal. Interested parties can submit their comments during this period, which shows that citizens' opinions and suggestions are valued, as WAZ points out.

Public participation and future prospects

The city has really done a good job of public participation. The Surfworld project is not just another amusement park, but is also intended to help establish Werne as an attractive destination. The main access to the surf park will be from Kamener Straße, which ensures accessibility and at the same time promotes the development of the surrounding area. The land use and development plan are available for inspection so that the public can find out directly about the project, which many have already taken advantage of.

The comparison to similar projects in other cities such as Stade is interesting. A large surf park is also being planned there, which will integrate gastronomic offerings and overnight accommodation and is considered a lighthouse project for tourism. Mayor Sönke Hartlef emphasizes the positive effect on urban development and the appeal to young people, similar to what is also being sought for Werne. In Stade, the extensive community involvement was actually successful, as over 257 of 339 comments from the population were positive, which underlines how important the acceptance and support of residents is for such projects. `City of Stade` also sheds light on the topic and breaks down how the city implements this as part of an innovative commercial area with sustainable energy concepts.

The Surfworld in Werne could not only serve as a theme park, but also as a development engine for the entire region. Such projects not only bring fun and entertainment for citizens, but could also provide important stimulus for the economy and tourism. The coming months will be crucial for the future of Surfworld - whether it will become another highlight in leisure activities in Germany remains to be seen.