Exciting plans to create the Fylde coast’s first dedicated indoor climbing centre have been given the go ahead.
Fylde Council has approved plans to open Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool – an adrenaline-fuelled and fun new attraction which will create more than 30 new jobs.
Ice skating stars Daniel Whiston and Karen Barber are behind the venture with business partners Anne and Ben Wade.
Aimed at ages 5 to 105, Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool, which will be based at Whitehills Business Park, 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.
Speaking about Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool, Dancing on Ice star Daniel said: “We are very excited about Clip ‘n Climb as it has such a wide appeal.
“Whether you are a parent looking for a new, fun activity for your children, an MD who wants to engage in team building, or you are a seasoned climber, Clip ‘n Climb is a fantastic facility which is enjoyable and challenging at the same time.
“This is a completely different type of business for us all to be involved in but we love a challenge and cannot wait to welcome customers Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool.”
The 2,500 sq ft Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool will see the Fylde-based business partners create 10 full-time and 25 part-time positions and the attraction will also include a 50-plus seater café and viewing area.
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 team already operate eight Subway restaurants as well as the recently launched Beach Tavern food-court in Blackpool’s South Shore.
Anne added: “We’ve all been talking for some time about expanding our business interests and the rise in popularity of Clip ‘n Climb makes this the perfect venture for us.
“We are really excited about the brand and it’s fantastic to be the first business to bring Clip ‘n Climb to the Fylde coast as it offers something completely new and different to the area and something that we feel confident will appeal to such a wide range of people.”
Work will now start to transform the business unit at Orion Court, Whitehills, with plans in place for Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool to open in March.
To keep updated with all Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool news go to www.facebook.com/Clip-n-Climb-Blackpool
Clip ‘n Climb was first introduced to the UK 15 years ago after being launched in New Zealand. The Blackpool attraction will be the 16th Clip ‘n Climb to open in the UK.