Plans for an activity centre that no longer includes a 34 metre climbing wall at Ferry Meadows take leap forward

A planning application for Nene Park Trust’s revised Lakeside Activity Centre have just been formally submitted to Peterborough City Council.

The new look centre, that will sit near the Gunwade Lake, no longer features a 34.25 metres high Climbing Wall which prompted numerous public objections when the venture was first unveiled.

While the centre will be on the same former car park as the original £10 million Olympic-grade Climbing Wall plans that were approved by the council in 2021, the new building will be much lower with a smaller footprint, which is due to rising construction costs and a changing market.

Details of the new plans were revealed at a public information event in April.

A Trust spokesperson said: “The public response, although mixed, has been largely positive to the proposed changes in height, colour, overall size of the building and there is growing excitement that a new climbing centre might become a reality in the Park.

"It will be an exciting new indoor leisure and sporting venue to keep everyone active all year round.”

The plans seek to provide indoor roped climbing in phase one of the build as well as the popular bouldering offer.

There will also be a small café, children’s play area, small gym and accessible changing rooms.

Subject to approval of the revised plans and the remaining funding being secured, construction will begin in early 2027 with the opening date for the first phase of the centre early in 2028.

Matthew Bradbury, chief executive of Nene Park Trust, said: “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 to fulfil their dreams.”

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

"The project has already secured significant investment, including from the UK Government’s Towns Fund programme, and through Nene Park Trust’s own resources."

The plans have been drawn up by Butcher Bayley Architects (BBA) and Lakeland Climbing Community.

Luke Butcher, Co-founder and Director of Butcher Bayley Architects, said: "We’re pleased to have supported Nene Park Trust in developing the revised plans for the Lakeside Activity Centre.

"Responding to a changing funding and construction landscape has meant designing a simpler, more efficient building, but the ambition is undimmed: a welcoming, year-round home for climbing, activity and play, sitting comfortably in its lakeside setting."

Jeremy Wilson, founder of Lakeland Climbing Community, said: “The location, park setting and architect-designed building are an amazing backdrop for what we hope to create at the heart of the scheme.”