New climbing centre for Exeter on the cards
If approved, it would be operated by the Climbing Hangar, which already has a site in Plymouth
Fresh plans to open a new indoor climbing centre in Exeter have been unveiled after a previous bid fell through.
Last June, Grip UK Ltd’s plans to convert a vacant building in Mallard Road, in the Sowton Industrial Estate, into an indoor climbing centre, were approved by Exeter City Council under delegated powers.
But discussions with the freeholder of the building did not proceed further and therefore alternative premises have had to be considered to accommodate the use, a statement with the new planning application says.
And new plans to convert a vacant warehouse building and two storey office accommodation at 6 Marsh Green Road, Exeter, into an indoor climbing centre have now been submitted to Exeter City Council.
The venture would be operated by the Climbing Hangar, which already has a site in Plymouth and which provides a unique leisure experience comprising a centre for climbers of all levels to practice bouldering.
Bouldering is different to traditional climbing, given it is a style of rock climbing without a rope or harness on small artificial walls with bouldering mats to prevent any injuries from falls.
Bouldering is highly accessible, with low barriers to participation due to the fact that no specialist equipment is required, and as such it is becoming increasingly popular as a means of leisure and exercise which is accessible to all.
A statement with the planning application said:
"The Climbing Hangar has now been operating for nine years and is looking to expand and grow further across the UK to meet growing interest and demand in bouldering, which has increased in popularity and will make its debut at the Tokyo Olympics this year.
"Following the success of, and demand for, The Climbing Hangar’s existing operations, the operator has identified an opportunity to open a new centre to cater for the catchment. The proposed use is aimed at catering for the surrounding local area, with the majority of users expected to originate from surrounding businesses and neighbourhoods in the area.
"The Climbing Hangar has been attempting to identify suitable premises within the area for some time and are committed to opening a facility in Exeter. A further review has identified that there continues to be no available or feasible premises within existing centres and therefore alternatives in out-of-centre locations have again had to be considered.
"Given the vacancy of this unit, this has led to discussions being held with the owner of the application property to bring forward this proposal to complement and provide an active use in this vacant building that will support the businesses and other uses in this commercial area and surrounding neighbourhoods, and meet the needs of the proposed use
"The existing vacant premises are within a suitable and highly accessible location within the required catchment area, and are able to meet The Climbing Hangar’s operational requirements. The site is in a commercial area which is characterised by a variety of uses, as well as being close to bus routes on a key distributor route connecting the site to Exeter and wider area for potential users of the facility, whilst there is excellent local cycling and off-road walking facilities along the Riverside Valley Park."
The proposed scheme will consist of a main climbing/bouldering wall, which will offer a range of climbing activities but also classes for local schools, scout/cadet groups and charities, an office, a reception/retail area selling specific climbing products from the customer service area, which also includes a reception, a café, and changing rooms and WCs.
The proposed use will generate employment with 13 full-time members of staff and 7 part-time members of staff, which will be recruited locally where possible, the statement says, adding each member of staff will be given a full induction, first aid training and sales training, in addition to continued professional development support and opportunities.
It is proposed to be open from 6.30am to 10pm, Monday-Friday, and 9am to 8pm, at weekends.
Exeter City Council planners will determine the fate of the application at a later date.