Plans for Exeter 'bouldering' centre

Like climbing, but without ropes

New plans to open a new indoor climbing centre in Exeter have been unveiled after a previous bid fell through.

Last June, Grip UK’s plans to convert a vacant building in Mallard Road at Sowton into an indoor climbing centre were approved by Exeter City Council.

But discussions with the freeholder of the building did not proceed and therefore alternative premises had to be considered to accommodate the use, a statement with the new planning application says.

Now plans to convert a vacant warehouse building and two storey office accommodation at 6 Marsh Green Road, at Marsh Barton into an indoor climbing centre have been submitted.

The venture would be operated by the Climbing Hangar, which already has a site in Plymouth and which caters for climbers of all levels to practice bouldering, a style of rock climbing without a rope or harness on small artificial walls with bouldering mats to prevent injuries from falls. No specialist equipment is required, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a means of leisure and exercise 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.

It adds: “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.

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, with the statement adding: “The proposed use will provide an appropriate alternative use to the area and provide opportunities to improve health and wellbeing and the proposed change of use at the site to a Class E use will ensure this long standing vacant unit is brought into active use whilst providing a replacement employment use and new, increased, employment opportunities and an alternative leisure use that will support the surrounding commercial estate.”

Exeter City Council planners will determine the fate of the application at a later date.