Redbridge Council has unveiled its ambitions to build what it calls the “biggest rock climbing centre in the south of England”.
The council’s transport depot in Ilford’s Ley Street has been earmarked for the new climbing hub, which is expected to open sometime in 2025.
A formal planning application will be submitted later this year and approved in January, according to the council’s own timeline.
The centre will feature several climbing walls, roped climbing lines and bouldering walls, as well as a cafe and gym.
Council leader Kam Rai said it would provide a “fun and social place for people to exercise,” as well as a financial boost for the borough.
He said: “Investment in infrastructure like the climbing centre not only provides high quality activities in our borough and opportunity for every local person, but also creates local jobs and generates vital income that is reinvested into the services the council provides.”
Quay Climbing Centre, in Devon, currently holds the title of the largest centre in the south, with more than 200 total climbing lines.
The Reach, in Greenwich, claims to be the biggest in London. It is home to more than 300 boulder blocks, 77 roping lines, and 64 lead lines.
A brief consultation on the centre was launched on 16 September, asking residents what they would like to see included, how it can attract younger people, and if women-only sessions would appeal.
Ilford South MP Jas Athwal, who served as leader of the council between 2014 and 2024, said on social media: “Labour promised to invest in leisure facilities locally and I’m so pleased to see our plans coming to life.”
One of Redbridge Labour’s key manifesto pledges in 2022 was a new lido in Ilford, as part of an £11million commitment.
Athwal initially said the six-lane pool would be ready by August this year, but planning permission was only granted in June. It is now expected to be finished by next autumn, at the earliest.
A similar promise was made to build a new swimming pool in the Wanstead Leisure Centre in the run-up to the 2014 local elections.
A long series of delays, ranging from issues with logistics to asbestos, means it too won’t be ready until autumn 2025 – missing its original deadline by seven years.
Details such as how much the climbing centre will cost and what it will look like have not yet been announced.
The council says it will be suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
It said: “People might worry about whether their fitness, age, height or ability could prevent them from participating in climbing. However, climbing can actually be enjoyed by everyone, even if you’ve never tried it before.”
