Old Poundstretcher to be turned into bouldering centre by Olympic creators
An old Poundstretcher building in Cornwall is to be given a new lease of life by becoming a bouldering centre.
The bouldering centre will be open all year round, from early morning to evening, and will cover two floors of the building in Market Jew Street, Penzance.
It is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, from children and learners to experienced climbers, with the team behind it promising it will be “affordably priced for the local community.”
The third floor of the building will offer associated fitness, strength and conditioning activities, as well as wellness facilities.
It is the latest project for the Penzance Regeneration Company, using Town Deal funding.
The old Poundstretcher building in Market Jew Street (Image: Google Street View) The group has appointed EP Climbing to design and build the bouldering walls, following a tendering process advised by input from experts within the sector.
Susan Stuart, from Penzance Regeneration Company, said: “We are so excited to be creating these facilities. Right in the heart of town, they will bring new life to the town centre and offer something truly multi-generational.”
EP Climbing have been designing and building climbing walls since 1985 and are passionate about making climbing accessible for everyone.
They have created walls in schools, colleges, universities and commercial climbing centres, as well as for the sport's debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and again at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Together, EP Climbing and the regeneration company will be contacting local schools, Penwith College, sporting organisations and climbers, as well as the wider community, to make sure the centre is used and enjoyed by a wide range of people.
Jack Jago from EP Climbing said: “With a local and dedicated team who are passionate about climbing, we look forward to bringing this very exciting project to life!”
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The project has received £4.5m from the government’s Town Deal programme. Penzance Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £21.5 million in 2021, to support a range of projects designed to contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.
Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the Penzance Town Deal Board and administrates the fund.
