Europe's first artificial surf reef will be built in the UK, it has been announced.

The Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) has granted Bournemouth Borough Council a special environment licence to begin construction of the project at Boscombe, Dorset.

The council says it is on course to start construction of the £1.4m reef in spring 2008, with the project anticipated to be completed in time for the October 2008 swell.

The reef is expected to attract up to 10,000 surfers a year.

Plans for the reef stalled in July after conservationists expressed concern about the environmental damage the reef would have on the local area.

The MFA insisted that all environmental concerns were taken into consideration.

"Bournemouth council was required to supply additional information to support its application before decisions could be reached," said Nigel Gooding, MFA chief executive.

"All the issues have been resolved and the licence will be issued shortly."

Specialist construction material for the reef will be ordered, including the ecologically sound geo-textile bags from Australia and the webbing base from New Zealand.

Roger Brown, head of leisure services at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "Christmas has come early to Bournemouth. This is the fantastic news that everyone has been waiting for.

"The area of Bournemouth and Poole already has an excellent reputation as a leading watersports destination; however the reef will put Boscombe firmly on the surfing map.

Roger Brown, Bournemouth Borough Council: "Christmas has come early to Bournemouth. This is the fantastic news that everyone has been waiting for."

"Weather conditions permitting, we anticipate to complete the reef by autumn 2008."

The surf reef will be accompanied by a surf-themed retail outlet, a surfing academy and a glass-fronted restaurant offering panoramic views of Bournemouth and the Solent. There will also be a catering outlet selling good-quality food-to-go, 42 "super chalets" for purchase and hire, changing rooms, toilets and hot showers.

Officials at Bournemouth Borough Council believe the project will create around 60 full-time and 30 part-time jobs. The new jobs will be needed to cope with the extra demand for surf equipment, training, accommodation, food, drink and entertainment, the council said.

According to the council, media publicity surrounding the reef will create an image value of £10 million per annum for Boscombe. A recent survey in Cornwall revealed that surfers spend 8 per cent more than other holidaymakers.

As well as regenerating Boscombe and its leisure industry, the council also believes the reef will help to boost marine life and improve coastal defences.

"It is likely that marine life will thrive on the reef and there will be no damaging effects to the beach," the council said in a press release. "Experts predict the reef itself is likely to become a busy habitat over time, with marine creatures colonising its surfaces and taking shelter within it, developing into a haven for wildlife that would not otherwise exist on a flat seabed. Although the reason for building the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help with coastal defences."

About the Bournemouth reef:

The reef will be just one of four artificial reefs worldwide. The others are Narrowneck, Queensland; Cables, Western Australia and Mt.Maunganui, New Zealand.

The reef in Bournemouth will be located to the east of Boscombe Pier (about 2.5 kilometres from Bournemouth Pier) and the submerged reef will take up approximately one hectare (the size of a football pitch) which will be 225 metres from the shoreline. The reef mimics the effects of a natural reef and will be built from large geo-textile bags pumped hard with sand. The sandbags weigh up to 2,500 tonnes and biggest are up to 70m long, 2m high and 6m wide.

How does an artificial reef work?

It is important to remember that an artificial surf reef does not create waves, it amplifies the surf already there. The reef will act as a ramp, pushing waves upwards, doubling in size, and shaping them into good-quality surfing waves. Doubling the height of the surf will also mean that the number of good surfing days will double. The reef at Boscombe is designed to provide a grade 5 wave (13ft high) on a day with good swell which is in the 'challenging range' (Hawaii Pipeline is a grade 8).

The reef will make three waves - waves on the reef and two more good banks inshore on the beach. In calm weather, such as July or August, the reef will create a 'lagoon' along the shoreline.

Is the surf reef for everyone?

No, the reef will be 225 metres out to sea from the promenade, and so surfers will need to be physically fit and competent to even ride out to the reef. Surfers will be out of their depth and the waves may be challenging. Beginners are recommended to take the advice of regulated surf schools to find out the best places to surf along Bournemouth coast. The RNLI will provide safety cover on the reef 364 days of the year. It will be free to surf the reef.

The article Surf's up in Dorset originally appeared on 999 Today