Plans lodged for new indoor climbing centre

A new indoor climbing and bouldering centre could be developed in a disused industrial unit in Sheffield if newly-lodged plans are given the go-ahead.The Climbing Depot, support by property consultancy Savills, has submitted an application to Sheffield City Council for the conversion of a unit on Woodbourn Road, just off the Parkway.The unit measures 27,700 sq ft and was formerly occupied by Just Car Clinic but has been vacant since 2012.Planning is consent is sought for the change of use of the property to allow it to operate as a climbing and bouldering centre.The centre would create about 30 jobs, including positions for trained climbing instructors as well as office and administrative staff.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said the scheme was a “positive proposal to re-use a vacant building on previously developed land that will provide a high-quality sport and recreation facility in Sheffield and which will contribute to the health and overall well-being of residents in Sheffield, as well as securing sustainable economic growth”.The Climbing Depot currently operates four centres in Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham, with each also trading from large warehouse premises.