Climbing company scaling new heights with South Manchester development
A deal has been struck to create the largest indoor climbing wall in Europe in south Manchester.
It follows an agreement by the Yorkshire Climbing Company to take space at Southmoor Industrial Estate, Wythenshawe.
The Leeds-based company, which operates as Depot Climbing, aleady has seven centres in the north – including one at Trafford Park in Manchester.
It has taken 50,864 sq ft at Southmoor and plans a £5m investment to create a world-class facility to help serve this growing sport.
Director, Steve Dunning, said: “Following the success of our Trafford Park site we want to develop a facility that will be genuinely ‘world class’. The high quality space at Southmoor Industrial Estate allows us to build a climbing centre to IFSC standards so that both beginners and Olympic hopefuls alike can enjoy climbing under the same roof.
“Big Depot Manchester will set a new standard for climbing facilities in the UK and will become a destination for climbers from across the country given the excellent transport and access links that this location provides.”
Southmoor Industrial Estate offers a total of 340,000 sq ft of industrial/logistics space and offices in an easily accessible location close to Manchester Airport.
Knight Frank Manchester are agents and partner Rob Tilley, who brokered the deal, said: “The Yorkshire Climbing Company wanted not just a great location but a high quality space that fits their brand. It is interesting to see different occupiers come in and turn logistics buildings into something totally new.”
Helen Macrow, director at asset managers South Street Capital, said: “We are excited to watch the transformation of Unit A5/6 into Europe’s largest climbing centre in the new year.
“Acting on behalf of overseas clients, South Street Capital have managed the refurbishment and development of Southmoor Industrial Estate over the last five years. The investment made in both the buildings and the estate infrastructure have led to a transformation in the estate and has attracted some great tenants, including the NHS and Schmitz Cargobull.”
