Future of Plymouth Life Centre climbing wall confirmed as council responds
Campaigners, climbers and local residents have been waiting for a decision on proposals affecting the Life Centre’s climbing wall, with Plymouth City Council now revealing its next move
Plans to replace Plymouth Life Centre's climbing wall with a children's soft play area have been dropped following a strong public campaign and widespread opposition from climbers and residents.
Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure confirmed this morning (2 June) that proposals ‘will not be progressing’ after hundreds of people responded to a public consultation.
Today’s decision comes after concerns over the future of the facility had sparked a major petition campaign in recent weeks.
As previously reported by The Moorlander on 26 May, more than 2,400 people had signed a petition calling on the council to ‘halt plans to remove the city's only roped climbing wall'.
Campaigners warned its closure would leave a significant gap in local sporting provision, with the nearest alternative facility more than 20 miles away.
In a statement announcing the reversal, Plymouth City Council said the strength of public feeling had been clear.
Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Sport, said: "We have heard the strength of feeling from our residents loud and clear.
“Hundreds of people have taken the time to share their views in our consultation, and we thank everyone who got involved.
Despite the reprieve, council leaders warned the facility still faces financial challenges.
According to figures released by the council, there were 208 regular climbing wall members over the past 12 months, along with around 500 occasional users.
The climbing wall “currently loses around £100,000 a year” according to the council.
Councillor Taylor said: "I would encourage people in Plymouth to vote with their feet and ensure that Plymouth Active Leisure's facilities are financially viable, and available to local people for many years to come."
The announcement prompted an immediate reaction online, with many residents welcoming the decision.
One resident described the move as "brilliant for listening to the people", while another commented: "Like people say, use it or lose it."
Others questioned whether alternative uses could have been accommodated alongside the climbing wall, while some expressed caution over what future plans for the facility might involve.
In a social media post, Plymouth City Council said: "We've listened!" and thanked residents who took part in the consultation.
Campaigners have argued that it plays an important role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing, youth programmes and competitive climbing opportunities in the city.