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Former Wilko store set to become bouldering centre

Simon Ager The shop frontage of the old Wilko store in Weston Favel - a black glass front with a red sign and a child's police ride in front and a small decorative plant at the entrance.Simon Ager
The unit in Weston Favell, Northampton has been empty since Wilko closed in October

An empty shop formerly used by Wilko is set to open as a bouldering centre.

The unit at Weston Favell shopping centre in Northampton has been vacant since October after the national homeware chain collapsed.

The Pinnacle Climbing Centre Group has announced plans to open its second site there, adding to its base in nearby Far Cotton.

Managing director Simon Ager said: "It's exciting to expand, and we're looking forward to offering more to the climbing and non-climbing community."

Ollie Conopo/BBC A man with a short beard wearing a blue polo shirt stands in front of climbing equipment. Ollie Conopo/BBC
Mr Ager said two children's climbing walls will serve as a bridge between soft play and climbing, aiming to inspire the next generation of climbers

Bouldering is the challenge of climbing around and over small rocks, boulders or indoor walls.

The average height of an indoor bouldering challenge is 4.5 metres (14.7ft) and it is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses.

Mr Ager said the new facilities would cater to a wide range of skill levels, from "complete beginners" to those aspiring to "become an Olympic gold medallist".

He added: "Our motto is 'Inspiring lifelong climbers' and this [second site] really lets us do that."

The new bouldering centre is expected to open in the winter of 2024, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed.

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