Killie climbing centre created in former church

AN indoor climbing centre has been opened in a former church in Kilmarnock, its eight-year, £4.5m programme part-funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund.

Says the AHF, here, the climbing centre is located in the town’s former Grange Free Church, as Above Adventure, “an inclusive, welcoming, and fully-accessible indoor climbing centre with climbing and bouldering facilities, a café and sensory room”.

The announcement goes on to say: “Above Adventure is a charity and social enterprise, which aims to improve the health and well-being of the communities in Kilmarnock and the west of Scotland. In 2015, it recognised Grange Free Church’s potential as an indoor climbing centre and subsequently set about developing the case for regenerating the Category B-listed building.

“The state-of-the-art facility now offers a range of climbing options, from walls and equipment to classes and groups, for all levels of ability and accessibility. The centre has modern climbing and safety gear, allowing climbers to enjoy their sport with confidence, whether they prefer bouldering, with low-level equipment and soft mats, or high climbing. Plus, there is also a specially-designed sensory room as a quiet space and a full Changing Places [accessible toilets] facility.”

Other funders include the national agency for sport, sportscotland, East Ayrshire Council, the William Grant Foundation and the Robertson Trust.

The architects were John Gilbert Architects.

Picture credit: Architecture Heritage Fund.

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