Fenn Wright secure premises for Avid Climbing in Ipswich
A new climbing centre, run by Avid Climbing, is opening in Ipswich and it will be the first dedicated climbing and bouldering centre in the area offering facilities for a range of ages. The centre is set to open its doors later in September 2018.
Fenn Wright Commercial worked on Avid’s behalf to identify and secure suitable premises on Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, last Autumn. The warehouse has undergone a total internal transformation including the creation of climbing facilities, changing rooms, a reception area and a café as well as office space on an upper level. The centre will employ around twelve specialist staff who will be on site to help climbers at all times.
Lindsay Barker, Director of Avid Climbing Ltd said: “We are very excited about this new venture and finding the right premises was a really important part of getting things in place. We were originally looking for a site that was closer to Ipswich town centre but we weren’t able to secure one which is why working with Fenn Wright has been so helpful. The Fenn Wright team were able to deliver very efficient, timely and professional service. They were also able to secure our premises on the best terms possible.”
Alistair Mitchell, Partner at Fenn Wright, commented: “We identified the warehouse on Ransomes Europark as an ideal solution for Avid Climbing. The premises have the benefit of being within close proximity of Ravenswood, Futura and Euro Retail Parks, as well as having good access to the A14 and A12. The building has a good frontage onto Nacton Road and the significant parking and nature of the building made it an ideal fit for our client’s business. We were delighted to have the opportunity to represent Avid in relation to this acquisition and having had an opportunity to hear more about the business we have every confidence that it will be a great success and a welcome addition to the Suffolk leisure scene.’
Lindsay Barker said of the new venture: “The increasing popularity of climbing, and the fact it will be included in the 2020 Olympics tells us that there is an appetite for this kind of physical sport. We knew that the East of England had very few climbing facilities and were keen to bring a regional facility to Ipswich, so we are feeling confident that Avid Climbing will be well received. We’ve also had the backing of Ipswich Borough Council who could quickly see the value of this centre being in Ipswich. The landlord, The Barnes Group Ltd, is a local company and has also been very supportive of the opportunity to open a centre here. They equally appreciate the physical, social and psychological value in this kind of sport for people of all ages.”