Plymouth climbing facility plans unveiled
Designs for the new climbing walls and aerial assault course that will comprise part of Plymouth's £46.5m Life Centre have been revealed.
The major new leisure development will feature five areas - three climbing walls, a bouldering area and an aerial assault course - to provide facilities for beginners and elite climbers. Under the plans, there will be a total of 870sq m (9,365sq ft) of climbing area at the facility - one of the largest of its type in the south west region.
Entre-Prises (UK) will supply the equipment to fit out the Life Centre, which is to feature a 16m (52.5ft) competition wall, a 6m (19.7ft) novice wall and a 4m (13.1ft) bouldering wall. A 10m (32.8ft) section of wall replicating granite rock features of nearby Dartmoor and sea cliffs will also be constructed, as well as a 26m (85.3ft) high-ropes course with six elements.
Peter Brookshaw, cabinet member for leisure, culture and sport at Plymouth City Council, said: "Climbing is for everyone and the great thing about these facilities at the Plymouth Life Centre is that they will have a multi-functional use. "This is something that's very different to aquatics and it goes to show that the Plymouth Life Centre will offer much more than just swimming and diving."
Balfour Beatty has been appointed to deliver the Life Centre, which is scheduled to open in September 2011 and will also include a leisure pool with flumes, beach entry and a bubble pool; a 150-station fitness suite and a 50m swimming pool. Archial designed the facility.