Swindon’s first purpose-built climbing centre is due to open at the end this month after securing a funding package worth £225,000 from HSBC Commercial Banking.
The state-of-the-art Rockstar Climbing Centre will launch nearly four months after the closure of the town’s only climbing wall at the Link Centre.
That wall’s replacement with a trampoline park by Link Centre operators Better caused fury among the town’s climbing enthusiasts, who have been forced to make a two-hour round trip to either Bristol or Reading to continue to take part in the sport.
The Rockstar Climbing Centre has been developed in a 7,000 sq ft industrial unit in the IO Centre on Hobley Drive, Stratton, and will house a number of state-of-the-art climbing walls.
The money provided by HSBC will help fund a competition wall, slacklining, climbing equipment and clothing, a dedicated children’s area and an innovative touchscreen registration, insurance and payment system.
HSBC area director for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, Sarah Lucas, said: “HSBC is committed to helping British businesses realise their goals and Rockstar was no exception. The team is ambitious, innovative and has a great business model, as well as a vision to help people achieve better physical and mental fitness. By supporting this project HSBC is helping this vision become a reality.”
Rockstar owner Mike Aston added: “I’ve done my personal banking with HSBC for a number of years so they were top of my list when I needed to get a commercial arrangement in place.
“They got to know my business and my requirements. They were incredibly proactive and they gave me the time I needed to consider my options.
“The funding has allowed us to build the centre to the highest specification and within a good time frame. We look forward to welcoming our first visitors in a few weeks’ time.”
Law firm Withy King’s Swindon office advised Mr Aston on the new site’s lease.
Commercial property solicitor at the firm, Greg Callard, said: “This has been an exciting project to be involved in, not least because a lot of work was required to transform the original industrial unit into a dynamic climbing centre. It’s a great addition to Swindon’s leisure scene and I’m sure it’ll be a huge hit when it opens in a few weeks.”
Pictured, from left: Greg Callard of Withy King, Rockstar Climbing Centre owner Mike Aston, and Mark Bird from HSBC
