This project grew out of a shared passion for climbing. Many of us live in Stroud for its community and natural beauty—but lost access to climbing spaces that had given us connection, confidence, and joy. We began imagining what it would look like to create that kind of space here, for all of us in the community and especially young people and families who currently have no access to the sport.
Through thousands of volunteer hours, we explored ideas which could make climbing more affordable - from using shipping containers as modular units to making our own holds, avoiding debt to reduce interest payments, and eventually led to our model being one of the first officially insurable key card access facility in the UK.
We are now ready to show that we can make things more affordable and meet the needs of the community if we work together. We want to share our learning as resources that other communities can adapt for leisure facilities, where more people can access opportunities for better health and wellbeing.