Gloucester Quays bid to turn empty upper deck into ‘climbing wall theme park’

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

There are plans to use the upper deck of Gloucester Quays for a “theme park meets climbing wall” centre.

Gloucester Quays LLP wants permission to change the use of the empty area which is currently designated for outlet retailing.

They have submitted plans to Gloucester City Council which will use all of the 1,256 sqm of accommodation on the upper deck.

The likely operator of the space would be Clip ‘n Climb UK, a climbing leisure operator.

They would provide climbing and soft play facilities along with a café.

Consultants say the proposal will not lead to additional floorspace being created within the outlet.

But it introduces an additional leisure use to Gloucester Quays reflecting the spirit of the original planning permission which included leisure uses.

At the same time, it is not proposed to ‘give up’ any of the permitted factory outlet shopping floorspace which will remain as up to 20,000 sqm.

“The proposal will bring an underutilised space within the city centre into economic use and will contribute positively to the levels of economic activity in the area,” planning consultants said.

“A leisure climbing facility with ancillary facilities such as a café will create a number of jobs, with employees generally being sought from the local area.

“As such, the proposal will make a meaningful contribution to the employment opportunities within Gloucester.

“The proposal will bring other wider economic benefits by encouraging longer stays within the city centre and increasing footfall and activity in the area to the benefit of local shops cafes and businesses.”

In order to provide improved accessibility to the upper deck, several internal alterations that did not require planning permission have already been undertaken within the outlet, including the installation of two escalators which provide direct access to the upper deck from the ground floor.

No changes are proposed to the multi storey car park at Gloucester Quays, and there are no external works related to this proposal that require planning permission.

“Clip ‘n Climb UK provide fun challenges for children, families, parties and corporate events at various locations across the country.” the planning documents submitted to the council say.

“Its ‘theme park meets climbing wall’ concept has been thrilling and challenging people of all ages for almost 20 years, creating a new sector in the leisure industry that has grown in popularity all over the world.

“Visitors return to Clip ‘n Climb again and again to tackle our colourful and unique challenges with their friends and family. Clip ‘n Climb has revolutionised active play, establishing a network of centres in more than 50 countries around the world.

“There are now over 360 Clip ‘n Climb facilities worldwide, some as stand-alone centres, some located in retail malls and leisure centres, and others associated directly with conventional climbing walls. All centre types have proven to be massively appealing, and therefore very profitable.”

Westgate councillors Rebecca Trimnell (LD) and Pam Tracey (C) have welcomed the proposals. “In a way, it’s a great idea,” Cllr Tracey said. “It will have to be more guarded up there, of course.”

“At least it is being used and it brings people in there. It’s good to bring more people in “Perhaps people will drop their kids off and do some shopping. It’s a really good idea.”

And Cllr Trimnell said it was sad to see the climbing centre go in Parliament Street.

“It’s good for people’s mental and physical health. I hope planning is given to it.

People have until April 15 to comment on the proposals which city planners are expected to consider by May 17.

The plans can be found by searching for application 25/00269/FUL on Gloucester City Council’s planning portal.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk