A North East architecture and design practice is scaling new heights after winning work to create a new state-of-the-art climbing and fitness hub in the heart of a Northumberland town. The move sees AirView Park, Woolsington-based Architects-Group develop creative commissions for an indoor bouldering centre on behalf of Northumberland Bouldering on the site of the former Coliseum Cinema in Morpeth town centre.
Supported by EP Climbing, the company behind the Tokyo (2021) and Paris (2024) Olympic Games sport climbing walls, the Architects-Group’s proposals will see a sports facility featuring a climbing related gym, a shop (for shoe hire and climbing gear) and a ‘healthy’ café, as well as the state-of-the-art climbing walls on the first floor of the building. In addition, there are designs for a Mezzanine floor together with a wellness room also onsite for, among other things, yoga and pilates classes, kickboxing sessions and children’s parties.
The scheme will need planning permission for a change of use and discussions are already underway with parties that could potentially provide funding for the project. The popular cinema in New Market, which closed in 2000 and has also been used as a nightclub, is set to be transformed into an ‘exciting and dynamic’ facility that will cater for people of all ages. A style of climbing carried out closer to the ground without the use of ropes and harnesses, and with crash matting for protection, bouldering is becoming more accessible to people looking for a different way to stay fit and participate in leisure activities.
A survey carried out by the Association of British Climbing Walls this year reveals that the development of climbing facility chains, as well as bouldering-only facilities, has been on the rise in the UK with hundreds of thousands of participants enjoying the challenge. Architects-Group managing director Tony Harmieson said this is an exciting development that has been well received by local people. He said: “Our designs are set to deliver an exciting, dynamic and state-of-the-art climbing centre that will be a big benefit to local people and climbing enthusiasts while simultaneously bringing a popular building back to life. As design-led architects, we have a passion for beautiful, eye-catching creative concepts and to be involved in a transformative project like this one within the heart of this popular town, will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our expertise and creativity.” People can get project updates by signing up at https://thecoliseum.co.uk