The only thing missing is the authorization from the city council to obtain the building permit that will allow the construction of Bilbao's next wave pool, opposite the Maritime Museum, according to the local news website. Deia Last Tuesday, the project's promoter, TecnoFly, asked the municipality to modify the Abandoibarra Special Interior Renovation Plan, which is the document that establishes the parameters for carrying out urban works in the area.

A spokesperson close to the project told the media that this permit is sufficient to begin the works, although the promoters want to wait to finish the procedures with the City Council. “The promoters of this project have presented a proposal to modify the Abandoibarra Special Plan that will be discussed by the next corporation,” said a source. They also pointed out that the process could take months, but that it is the quickest way. “In theory, with the concession from the Coastal Demarcation it would be possible to work, but the promoters want to go slowly and do not want to have any problems,” added the spokesperson. The Coastal Demarcation extended the authorization.

The construction of the leisure centre, which in addition to the wave pool includes a wind tunnel, was proposed in 2014 and was controversial from the start due to opposition from neighbours and defenders of industrial heritage.

“We believe that this project violates the law, since this set of dry docks enjoys maximum protection in the current municipal plan, as it is the only heritage landscape of industrialisation and port activity left in Bilbao,” said the Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Bilbao in a statement. The Basque Association of Industrial Heritage and Public Works requested the revocation of the concession of occupation to the Coastal Demarcation, but was rejected. The president, Javier Puertas, assured that they will continue trying. “Although the project may be good for Bilbao, the location is not at all appropriate,” said Puertas.

It has not yet been indicated what wave technology will be used, but some Spanish media are talking about it being a static wave, like the flow rider.