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Plans to open an indoor climbing centre have been given the go-ahead.
The new venue is set to open in a warehouse on the Wincheap Industrial Estate in Canterbury later this year.
Bosses are hoping it will become the go-to hub for ‘bouldering’ in east Kent, with a number of varied climbing walls on offer.
Run by Tunbridge Wells-based firm Chimera, it will be the second of its kind in Kent.
Managing director Chris Searle, who kickstarted the business in 2013, has his eyes set on a quick turnaround for the opening.
He said: “We are really excited to be expanding into Canterbury - it is a such a vibrant city and an area that will benefit from having a dedicated bouldering gym.
“The project is moving forward at pace and there are going to be some really exciting features in the gym.
“We will be opening late summer to early autumn, the perfect time as the nights draw in to start thinking about moving your climbing back indoors.”
The proposals were rubber-stamped by Canterbury City Council’s planning team last week.
The unit, which is next to CareCo in Maynard Road, will be covered in timber-style cladding - an aspect the council says will create a “more visually interesting” appearance.
Speaking earlier in the year, Mr Searle said: “Climbing will be at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics so we’re expecting a huge surge in interest - it will become evermore mainstream.
“Canterbury has a big student population so we’re hoping the centre will be particularly attractive for them.
“Bouldering is low-level climbing without ropes.
“It’s very intense and you get to solve problems using your physical strength.”
Children as young as five will have the chance to try their hand at the sport, with people of all abilities being encouraged to go along and test themselves.
The peak operating hours are due to be in the evening, with there being 14 permanent car parking spaces.
There will also be a small shop offering refreshments and climbing gear.
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