Planned £10 million Olympic-grade climbing wall and activity centre at Peterborough’s Nene Park to be scaled back

Bosses at Nene Park Trust say new plans have been drawn up for a ‘simpler, lower building with a smaller footprint’ and have vowed to reveal the new look at a public event next month.

Plans for a 34.25 metres high Climbing Wall and activity centre were given planning approval by Peterborough City Council in 2021 but the trust has since struggled to raise the money needed.

Now it is set to submit a new planning application to the council next month.

It is hoped that subject to approval of the revised plans and the remaining funding being secured, construction will begin in autumn this year with the opening date for the first phase of the centre in autumn 2027.

The trust has just issued a notice stating: “The team has now developed some exciting and practical revisions to the original plans, which provide for a simpler, lower building with a smaller footprint.

"These plans will be submitted to Peterborough City Council in April.

But members of the public have been invited to see revised plans during an information event on April 13 from 4pm to 7pm at The Lakeside Hub in Ferry Meadows, next to Nene Outdoors and the Lakeside Kitchen and Bar.

The trust adds: “There are still challenges for this important project for Peterborough, not least securing further funding and successfully amending the planning permission.

"Despite these challenges, the revised Activity Centre will offer the people of Peterborough and visitors an exciting new indoor leisure and sporting venue to keep everyone active all year round.

"Of course, this has always been Nene Park Trust’s vision.

"With a primary focus on bouldering, now the most popular form of climbing, the centre will offer widely accessible activity to all ages and skill levels.

"Everyone from beginners to aspiring Olympians can come, have fun, train and compete here.

"When the redesigned tower is added to the building as phase two of the plans, lead climbing (rope climbing) will be added to the climbing offer.

"The centre will also include a small café, accessible toilets and changing rooms.”

Matthew Bradbury, Chief Executive of Nene Park Trust commented: “We’re confident that these revised plans for the activity centre at Ferry Meadows offer an exciting development for the Park and the city of Peterborough.

“As a charity, our objective is to provide recreation for the public through the Park and its facilities, both for Peterborough’s residents and all our visitors and through the activity centre we would be able to offer indoor recreation, in all weathers, all year round.

"Climbing – especially bouldering - is a growing sport across the UK – and as it now features in the Olympics it’s great that we can support aspiring climbers of all ages fulfil their dreams.

“We’ve listened very carefully to all feedback provided on our original plans and we feel that a smaller, more affordable, less intrusive building, will satisfy many of our regular visitors while still delivering a huge amount of impact and fun.”

It is estimated that the current Lakeside Activity Centre and Climbing Wall would cost £10 million to build. The project has already secured significant investment, including from £1.5 million from the Government’s Towns Fund programme, and through Nene Park Trust’s own resources.

The Trust says it is in advanced conversations with experienced climbing centre operators on the running of the centre.

When did we first hear about the Lakeside Activity Centre?

Plans for the Lakeside Activity Centre were first unveiled in 2018, when the cost was expected to be £5 million.

It was originally hoped the centre would open in 2020 ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, where climbing was expected to feature for the first time.

The project eventually secured planning approval from Peterborough City Council in 2021 despite opposition from many local people who did not want to see a huge building in the countryside.

The centre has also been earmarked to receive £1.5 million of Government money through the Peterborough Towns Fund.

Once completed the Olympic-grade Climbing Wall will be one of the tallest structures in Peterborough.

TALLEST BUILDINGS IN PETERBOROUGH:

Peterborough Cathedral - 44 metres.

Cumberland House, in St Mary's Court - 40 metres.

Apex House, in London Road - 34 metres.

What was to go in the Lakeside Activity Centre?

The Lakeside Activity Centre is intended to be an all year-round, all-weather indoor activity centre that will feature one of the country’s largest Clip ‘n Climb arenas suitable for all ages and an Olympic- standard climbing facility.

There will also be a natural-themed indoor toddler play area, an additional café and private hire spaces for community groups.

The centre is expected to create 31 jobs and to generate £2 million a year for the city’s economy.

The Lakeside Activity Centre is part of Nene Park Trust’s 30 year masterplan to transform Nene Park and extend its reach across the city promoting healthy lifestyles, building communities and celebrating culture.