Plymouth Life Centre to host climbing wall open day following council U-turn
Following a major campaign to protect Devon's premier indoor climbing facility from closure, Plymouth Life Centre operators are launching a public event this Saturday to prove the venue's long-term future
Following the recent decision by Plymouth City Council to scrap plans to replace the Plymouth Life Centre climbing wall with a soft play area, operators are launching an open day this Saturday (13 June) to encourage the public to support the facility.
The U-turn on 2 June came after a public consultation and a campaign that gathered more than 2,400 signatures to protect the region's only roped climbing wall.
However, with council leaders warning that the facility currently loses around £100,000 a year, local users are already calling on the community to show up.
The event is aimed at both seasoned climbers and complete beginners, offering residents a chance to try out the facility, meet the instructing team, and view the amenities.
The indoor centre is one of the largest climbing setups in the South West, featuring:
- Wall heights ranging from 6 to 16 metres
- More than 120 routes across 44 roped lines
- A dedicated bouldering room with varied routes and overhangs
- Two auto-belay systems and a training area equipped with gymnastic rings and weights
Instructed youth sessions at the centre cater to children starting from age 5, covering safety basics like harness fitting, rope work, and belaying.
The open announcement has generated strong local interest online, with one resident commenting: "See - advertise the wall and it gets lots of interest!"
Another added: "See how long it lasts... But hopefully more people will show interest to keep it viable."
While the promotional material promises snacks and free-to-try activities, parents have also been checking age limits, with individuals online confirming the sessions are open to "any age" provided children meet the standard facility minimum of 5 years old for active climbing sessions.
The open day comes as part of a wider push by Plymouth Active Leisure to promote their standard climbing programs, which include Student Mondays (£5.50 entry before 4pm), Wednesday Belay Partner Nights, and Over 50s Fridays (£9.00 entry).
Monthly youth instructed sessions start at £44.00, while unlimited adult memberships are priced at £32.00 per month via direct debit.
The council has previously urged residents to "vote with their feet" to ensure the climbing wall remains a permanent fixture of local sporting provision.
Bookings for the Saturday event can be made directly through the Plymouth Active website.