Exciting plans were today unveiled for Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool – an adrenaline-fuelled and fun new attraction that will create more than 30 new jobs.
Ice skating stars Daniel Whiston and Karen Barber are looking to reach new heights with business partners Anne and Ben Wade by opening the Fylde coast’s first ever dedicated indoor climbing centre.
Aimed at ages 4 to 104, Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool will provide a host of climbing obstacles that are fun and challenging for all as well as climbing walls all standing at more than 25ft.
The obstacles are themed and include Face 2 Face climbing, Speed Climb, Stairway to Heaven, Twister and Dry Ice. There will also be a Vertical Drop Slide which at 8.5m is the highest of any Clip ‘n’ Climb centre in the UK.
Speed Climb for Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool
A planning application has been submitted to Fylde Borough Council to establish the 2,500 sq ft facility at Whitehills Business Park which, if approved, will see the Fylde-based business partners create 10 full-time and 25 part-time positions.
Speaking about the plans, Dancing on Ice star Daniel said: “We are incredibly excited about Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool. This will be a fantastic new attraction for the whole of the Fylde coast and is something that will appeal to a wide range of people.
“The obstacles can be as challenging as you want them to be so we hope to see everyone from aged four to 104 enjoying Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool.
“One of the great things about it is that so many people can get so much out of Clip ‘n Climb. We do expect to be very popular with families and young people but the facilities are also perfect for team-building exercises, confidence building, climbing clubs and exercise.
“It’s almost climbing walls meeting a theme park.”
Daniel is joined in the venture by fellow TV ice star and Olympian Karen Barber and Fylde-based business partners Anne and Ben Wade. Between them the foursome already operate eight Subway restaurants as well as the recently launched Beach Tavern food-court in Blackpool’s South Shore.
Anne added: “As a business partnership this is something we have been working on for some time now. We all work very well together but we wanted to expand into something different and Clip ‘n Climb is a brand we are really excited about.
“It’s great to be bringing something completely new and different to the area and something that we feel confident will appeal to such a wide range of people.
“We are also creating 10 full-time and 25 part-time jobs which we are delighted about.”
Clip ‘n Climb was first introduced to the UK 15 years ago after being launched in New Zealand.
The Blackpool attraction will be the first fully independent Clip ‘n Climb in the North West and is the 16th Clip ‘n Climb to open in the UK.
The planning application also includes plans to build a mezzanine floor in the unit to house a 50plus seater café and viewing area. There will also be a free soft play area for children aged under four.