Town Deal to fund Penzance bouldering centre
The Penzance Regeneration Company (PZRC) has announced that Town Deal funding will be used to create a bouldering centre with associated strength and conditioning facilities in the old Poundstretcher Building on Market Jew Street in Penzance.
The bouldering centre, which will open year-round from early morning to evening, will cover 2 floors and be designed to appeal to all ages and abilities from children and learners to experienced climbers and will be affordably priced for the local community. There will be a third floor of complementary fitness, strength & conditioning and wellness facilities.
PZRC has appointed EP Climbing to design and build the bouldering walls. EP Climbing was appointed following a competitive tendering process advised by input from experts within the sector.
Susan Stuart from PZRC commented: “We are so excited to be creating these facilities. Right in the heart of town, they will bring new life to the town centre and offer something truly multi-generational.”
EP Climbing have been designing and building climbing walls since 1985 and are passionate about making climbing accessible for everyone. They have delivered walls in schools, colleges, universities and commercial climbing centres and created walls for the sport’s debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and again at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
PRZC and EP Climbing will be reaching out to local schools, Penwith College, community and sporting organisations and the climbing community to ensure that we create something really exciting which will be used and enjoyed by a wide range of people.
Jack Jago from EP Climbing said: “With a local and dedicated team who are passionate about climbing, we look forward to bringing this very exciting project to life!”
Louis Gardner, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cornwall Council added: “This project is an exciting re-imagining of a high potential town centre building into a landmark leisure operation that will support a year-round visitor economy. By thinking creatively and strategically, Penzance is making the most of government funding to tackle vacant premises and grow its offer of leisure alongside a long-established retail core.”
The project has received £4.5m from the government’s Town Deal programme. Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.5 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy. Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the Penzance Town Deal Board and administrates the fund.
Photo credit: LOCCI
