This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Due to the closure of 'The Rockface,' please be aware that an 'Extraordinary Meeting' of The Midlands Area Committee will be held at Fairbridge on Thursday 11th November 2004, 7pm. The focus of the meeting will be to discuss the implications of the closure of this indoor climbing venue. The meeting will be open to members and non members of The BMC.
For directions to the venue click the link to The BMC website below.
http://www.thebmc.co.uk/thebmc/areacom/area_res.asp?area_drop=8&submit=...
For directions to the venue click the link to The BMC website below.
http://www.thebmc.co.uk/thebmc/areacom/area_res.asp?area_drop=8&submit=...
In reply to Simon Manns: Interesting, I fail to see what this meeting could achive. The rockface has closed fullstop. Sorry to be pessimistic.
Mark Crampton
Mark Crampton
In reply to Simon Manns: Will the bmc also be holding Extraordinary meetings next time a branch of Millets closes?
In reply to Blinder:
We can voice our outrage and stamp our feet though.
But seriously, what's the agenda for the meeting, and what can it achieve? It’s all well and good us all saying we need a wall round here but is anything likely to result? Are you going to throw your weight behind the new wall that's meant to be opening or set up your own wall?
Not meaning to have a go, just wondering whether it’s worth coming along as our club would definitely like a wall to use.
AlexS
We can voice our outrage and stamp our feet though.
But seriously, what's the agenda for the meeting, and what can it achieve? It’s all well and good us all saying we need a wall round here but is anything likely to result? Are you going to throw your weight behind the new wall that's meant to be opening or set up your own wall?
Not meaning to have a go, just wondering whether it’s worth coming along as our club would definitely like a wall to use.
AlexS
In reply to StonedDeranger: "We can voice our outrage and stamp our feet though. "
to be honest I am not that fussed, the irony is that after not going for around 6 months, I brought my stuff in today to go there. However I am going to save myself 8 pounds!!
to be honest I am not that fussed, the irony is that after not going for around 6 months, I brought my stuff in today to go there. However I am going to save myself 8 pounds!!
In reply to Blinder:
But you'll still be a weak punter when you go to Sardinia.
> However I am going to save myself 8 pounds!!
But you'll still be a weak punter when you go to Sardinia.
In reply to StonedDeranger: 'blessed are the weak'
Hi
The point of arranging an open meeting is for climbers to air their concerns. The Agenda will be.
1. Welcome
2. Rockface Climbers Concerns.
3. Other West Midlands Walls Available For Climbers.
4. The Future - What A Premier Climbing Wall Should Be. (facilities)
5. Where should it be.
Hopefully we will have a Birmingham City Council Spokesperson to reinforce our disquiet that they are allowing Advantage West Midlands to buy the Rockface with no provision to build a new wall in their development plans.
It is very important that all interested climbers attend. This could be our oportunity to influence the indoor climbing future in Birmingham.
If you can't attend please make your views known here or email me on chuckinver@aol.com
If I have any more news I will post it on this page.
Regards
Charles Gameson
BMC Midlands Area Secretary
The point of arranging an open meeting is for climbers to air their concerns. The Agenda will be.
1. Welcome
2. Rockface Climbers Concerns.
3. Other West Midlands Walls Available For Climbers.
4. The Future - What A Premier Climbing Wall Should Be. (facilities)
5. Where should it be.
Hopefully we will have a Birmingham City Council Spokesperson to reinforce our disquiet that they are allowing Advantage West Midlands to buy the Rockface with no provision to build a new wall in their development plans.
It is very important that all interested climbers attend. This could be our oportunity to influence the indoor climbing future in Birmingham.
If you can't attend please make your views known here or email me on chuckinver@aol.com
If I have any more news I will post it on this page.
Regards
Charles Gameson
BMC Midlands Area Secretary
In reply to Simon Manns:
where exactly is fairbridge as myself and about 7 other friends would be interested in coming along from Telford.
where exactly is fairbridge as myself and about 7 other friends would be interested in coming along from Telford.
In reply to Charles Gameson:
Hope it proves fruitful - it does seem a tad extreme to have an EGM for the closure of one clmbng wall but if somethng positive comes out of it then good luck!
S
Hope it proves fruitful - it does seem a tad extreme to have an EGM for the closure of one clmbng wall but if somethng positive comes out of it then good luck!
S
In reply to Simon:
Why extreme Simon? Wouldn't there be an outcry if the walls in Sheffield were sold off for redevelopment of the land with no replacement?
At least the BMC is showing its face to the council and querying the decision made. Sports facilities seem to be the last thing thought of on any new development, they are not as cost effective as myriad bars for drinking in. Well not to the council, till they have to pay for policing those bars as some forces are thing of to stop them over-running some towns.
Why extreme Simon? Wouldn't there be an outcry if the walls in Sheffield were sold off for redevelopment of the land with no replacement?
At least the BMC is showing its face to the council and querying the decision made. Sports facilities seem to be the last thing thought of on any new development, they are not as cost effective as myriad bars for drinking in. Well not to the council, till they have to pay for policing those bars as some forces are thing of to stop them over-running some towns.
In reply to Charles Gameson: Thank you for a voice of reason, I am concerned and fairly upset at the closure of the Rockface.
It is amazing that a major sporting facility in Birmingham and the Midlands, can be closed with immediate effect with no plan for future provision. It is not right, whatever misgivings all of us had about it, including cost.
The new Eastside development is supposed to champion 'sustainability' but in this instance there has been an oversight which must be addressed somehow.
The meeting is a good start as it may provide some kind of needed representation for the cause of an indoor climbing facility in Birmingham. Pity about the present.
It is amazing that a major sporting facility in Birmingham and the Midlands, can be closed with immediate effect with no plan for future provision. It is not right, whatever misgivings all of us had about it, including cost.
The new Eastside development is supposed to champion 'sustainability' but in this instance there has been an oversight which must be addressed somehow.
The meeting is a good start as it may provide some kind of needed representation for the cause of an indoor climbing facility in Birmingham. Pity about the present.
In reply to Blinder:
Location of meeting
http://uk2.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&db=pc&cidr_cli...
Regards
Charles Gameson
Location of meeting
http://uk2.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&db=pc&cidr_cli...
Regards
Charles Gameson
In reply to sutty: The rockface used to be a burden on policing with regular ram-raids and shoplifting to get at the 'Goretex'
They didn't even stock it at the time!
They didn't even stock it at the time!
What's your ideal wall?
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=105855&v=1
I'm trying to keep up with all suggestions. Many thanks for all your private messages. It looks like the meeting will be well attended.
Graeme Alderton - BMC Climbing Walls Officer will be there. He is fully supportive with the idea that climbers in the Midlands should campaign for a new wall in Brum.
The BMC can not it self own or run a climbing wall, but it has helped with other projects in the other parts of the country. As mentioned before it is hoped that there will be representation from Birmingham City Council. They have helped the BMC in the past - but it is very important to have numbers at the meeting to show that there is strong support for a new wall.
The BMC is often accused by climbers of not doing enough for them - it isn't like that - a new wall or walls that has/have what climbers want, will only happen if we have your support. (The meeting is open to all climbers - not just BMC members)
The Midlands Area will help any private or council proposal. If we have more than one - we would have to be very careful to give equal support.
Please reply to the other posting sensibly suggesting what you want at a climbing wall. The suggestion that we include an ice wall is a good one. I would also include a secure car park...........http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=105855&v=1
Regards
Charles
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=105855&v=1
I'm trying to keep up with all suggestions. Many thanks for all your private messages. It looks like the meeting will be well attended.
Graeme Alderton - BMC Climbing Walls Officer will be there. He is fully supportive with the idea that climbers in the Midlands should campaign for a new wall in Brum.
The BMC can not it self own or run a climbing wall, but it has helped with other projects in the other parts of the country. As mentioned before it is hoped that there will be representation from Birmingham City Council. They have helped the BMC in the past - but it is very important to have numbers at the meeting to show that there is strong support for a new wall.
The BMC is often accused by climbers of not doing enough for them - it isn't like that - a new wall or walls that has/have what climbers want, will only happen if we have your support. (The meeting is open to all climbers - not just BMC members)
The Midlands Area will help any private or council proposal. If we have more than one - we would have to be very careful to give equal support.
Please reply to the other posting sensibly suggesting what you want at a climbing wall. The suggestion that we include an ice wall is a good one. I would also include a secure car park...........http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=105855&v=1
Regards
Charles
In reply to Charles Gameson:
Is it really true that the BMC 'can not it self own or run a climbing wall'? My impression was that it could do either but may to date have either chosen not to or not considered it, it does own crags. I am not suggesting it does build a wall by the way.
Is it really true that the BMC 'can not it self own or run a climbing wall'? My impression was that it could do either but may to date have either chosen not to or not considered it, it does own crags. I am not suggesting it does build a wall by the way.
In reply to Nick U: and anyone else without a vested interest in the status quo...
In reply to Simon Manns:
Is there anything that can be done about circulating details of the meeting to people who aren't online? The usual way of doing this would have been via the noticeboard at the Rockface!
(We've got a club pub session tonight and I will be taking details to that - might be worth people from other clubs who've seen this doing likewise.)
Is there anything that can be done about circulating details of the meeting to people who aren't online? The usual way of doing this would have been via the noticeboard at the Rockface!
(We've got a club pub session tonight and I will be taking details to that - might be worth people from other clubs who've seen this doing likewise.)
In reply to Charles Gameson: ' but it is very important to have numbers at the meeting to show that there is strong support for a new wall.'
Agree with you 100% on that, Birmingham council really needs to be aware of the need and usage of what is a specialist's gym.
Hope for a good turn out, with climbers from across the midlands.
Iain.
Agree with you 100% on that, Birmingham council really needs to be aware of the need and usage of what is a specialist's gym.
Hope for a good turn out, with climbers from across the midlands.
Iain.
In reply to Wingnut:
As many other avenues apart from the web have been used as poss. We've informed all the clubs and anyone on the midlands contact list. If anyone has any further ideas, let Simon Manns know.
John Horscroft
As many other avenues apart from the web have been used as poss. We've informed all the clubs and anyone on the midlands contact list. If anyone has any further ideas, let Simon Manns know.
John Horscroft
In reply to Johnny H:
Have to agree with you Sutty. Can't believe the early posts on this thread. If the BMC hadn't got involved I bet the very same people would have been having a go. Hundreds of midlands climbers are affected by the closure therefore the BMC must get involved. No pleasing some people I say.........
Have to agree with you Sutty. Can't believe the early posts on this thread. If the BMC hadn't got involved I bet the very same people would have been having a go. Hundreds of midlands climbers are affected by the closure therefore the BMC must get involved. No pleasing some people I say.........
Read The Birmingham Evening Mail.We are on page 3!!
(Wednesday's edition)
Will be a follow up in Thursday`s edition.
Was on WM on Tuesday.
Charles
(Wednesday's edition)
Will be a follow up in Thursday`s edition.
Was on WM on Tuesday.
Charles
In reply to C Gameson:
in london at the mo till tomorrow eve - so can't get papers
what do they say?
ta!
in london at the mo till tomorrow eve - so can't get papers
what do they say?
ta!
In reply to Simon Manns:
I have only just found out about the Rockface!! I was there on Sunday 31/10/04 and they took my money for my 2 young daughters to climb on the 14/11/04 . That is criminal deception - taking payment for goods never intended to be delivered. Money aside my daughters are heartbroken , they had friends there that they may not see again plus they really enjoyed it and my youngest was going to be entered into the UK indoor climbing competition that the instructors were telling us of on that Sunday. Where now can I take my girls climbing? where now can they learn lead climbing?.
All this so that Birmingham can have yet more clubs/restuarants/ bars - I bet they'll have a casino. All the more annoying as I own a property in the heart of Birmingham but it is a dying business - will the council let my lease be changed to residential? not on my life.
Annoyed would not sum up how I feel - I will take action to get my money , I will be at any meeting in the hope of meeting someone from Rockface to get some answers. That said I don't believe the staff actually knew what was going on - they have been duped. I think someone from UK associations should look into this.
I have only just found out about the Rockface!! I was there on Sunday 31/10/04 and they took my money for my 2 young daughters to climb on the 14/11/04 . That is criminal deception - taking payment for goods never intended to be delivered. Money aside my daughters are heartbroken , they had friends there that they may not see again plus they really enjoyed it and my youngest was going to be entered into the UK indoor climbing competition that the instructors were telling us of on that Sunday. Where now can I take my girls climbing? where now can they learn lead climbing?.
All this so that Birmingham can have yet more clubs/restuarants/ bars - I bet they'll have a casino. All the more annoying as I own a property in the heart of Birmingham but it is a dying business - will the council let my lease be changed to residential? not on my life.
Annoyed would not sum up how I feel - I will take action to get my money , I will be at any meeting in the hope of meeting someone from Rockface to get some answers. That said I don't believe the staff actually knew what was going on - they have been duped. I think someone from UK associations should look into this.
In reply to Mike Hawes:
I do not know how long Rockface has been running and if there are any staff who have been there some time but if the company knew they were closing and did not give the staff notice of redundancy they should be in for a nice payout, and the company may also get prosecuted.
The whole thing stinks of double dealing to me.
I do not know how long Rockface has been running and if there are any staff who have been there some time but if the company knew they were closing and did not give the staff notice of redundancy they should be in for a nice payout, and the company may also get prosecuted.
The whole thing stinks of double dealing to me.
Birmingham Evening Mail Article
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=1483...
Gone to the wall! Nov 3 2004
By James Cartledge, Evening Mail
Party-going youngsters and climbers were outraged today after a landmark indoor mountaineering centre closed without warning.
Mystery surrounded the speed with which the Rockface site in AB Row, next to Millennium Point, shut its doors on Sunday.
The centre is being bought by regeneration body Advantage West Midlands, which is acquiring land to be cleared by Birmingham City Council for the huge Eastside development.
But the deal was not due to be completed until March and the council said it could have easily remained open for the "foreseeable future".
Angry climbers said Birmingham had lost a "key asset" used by scores of schools, colleges and universities.
One centre user, 33-year-old Army recruiting officer Sgt Rob Stevenson, said: "A lot of people, and especially kids, will lose out.
"This centre was the best in Europe because of the diverse routes, the size and the fact that corporate functions can be organised there.
"This is a huge loss for the city." No-one could be contacted from Rockface today but the site's owners were understood to be considering launching a new site in Lichfield.
A statement on the Rockface website said closure was a "nec-essary part" of the Eastside plan.
"We are sorry and sad to be leaving and know our customers will be disappointed, but we cannot stand in the way of Birmingham's continued renaissance," the statement said.
But the council's regeneration boss, Coun Ken Hardeman, said it was not clear why the centre had shut down so soon.
He said: "We are not able to say why the Rockface has closed now, as the purchase was not due to be completed until March and it could have stayed in operation for the forseeable future."
An Advantage West Midlands spokesman declined to discuss the cost of the purchase, but confirmed the deal would not go through until March.
Charles
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=1483...
Gone to the wall! Nov 3 2004
By James Cartledge, Evening Mail
Party-going youngsters and climbers were outraged today after a landmark indoor mountaineering centre closed without warning.
Mystery surrounded the speed with which the Rockface site in AB Row, next to Millennium Point, shut its doors on Sunday.
The centre is being bought by regeneration body Advantage West Midlands, which is acquiring land to be cleared by Birmingham City Council for the huge Eastside development.
But the deal was not due to be completed until March and the council said it could have easily remained open for the "foreseeable future".
Angry climbers said Birmingham had lost a "key asset" used by scores of schools, colleges and universities.
One centre user, 33-year-old Army recruiting officer Sgt Rob Stevenson, said: "A lot of people, and especially kids, will lose out.
"This centre was the best in Europe because of the diverse routes, the size and the fact that corporate functions can be organised there.
"This is a huge loss for the city." No-one could be contacted from Rockface today but the site's owners were understood to be considering launching a new site in Lichfield.
A statement on the Rockface website said closure was a "nec-essary part" of the Eastside plan.
"We are sorry and sad to be leaving and know our customers will be disappointed, but we cannot stand in the way of Birmingham's continued renaissance," the statement said.
But the council's regeneration boss, Coun Ken Hardeman, said it was not clear why the centre had shut down so soon.
He said: "We are not able to say why the Rockface has closed now, as the purchase was not due to be completed until March and it could have stayed in operation for the forseeable future."
An Advantage West Midlands spokesman declined to discuss the cost of the purchase, but confirmed the deal would not go through until March.
Charles
Controversy over Rockface closure Nov 4 2004
Birmingham Post
Controversy surrounding the sudden closure of Birmingham's Rockface climbing centre deepened last night.
Staff at the facility near Millennium Point in Digbeth were told the centre was to close immediately on Sunday night.
The news met with anger from schools and other groups and complained a major community resource was being lost.
Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has bought the site in order to make way for the £6 billion redevelopment of Eastside.
But the organisation has distanced itself from blame for the closure, saying the decision was made entirely by the centre's owner, Duncan McGregor.
It revealed original negotiations were for the owners to sell the premises by March 2005 and that it was as surprised as everyone else at the sudden closure.
A spokesman for AWM said: "Last week Rockface gave us notice to bring forward the completion of the sale and closed the facility on Monday.
"It was entirely Rockface's decision and was a complete surprise to the agency."
Staff at the centre were served no notice about the closure and Mr McGregor has been unavailable for comment.
AWM declined to reveal how much he was paid for the premises but property experts claimed the sum was likely to be around the £1 million mark.
AWM admitted the centre, which teaches climbing and caving skills, was an asset, but added it did not fit in with the redevelopment plan.
It also stressed the sale had not been a compulsory selling order.
"The Rockface was a successful leisure centre with strong links to schools and the voluntary sector. It was originally thought it would be an asset to the development. However the shape of the building meant that it would be an unproductive use of land and so we looked at alternatives. One of those was the closure of Rock-face for a reallocation."
AWM said Mr McGregor's sudden decision to sell up had denied the organisation a chance to look at relocation.
Mr McGregor is believed to have opted for closure because the climbing facilities had been build specifically and were not transferable.
AWM stressed the importance of the Eastside regeneration.
Birmingham Post
Controversy surrounding the sudden closure of Birmingham's Rockface climbing centre deepened last night.
Staff at the facility near Millennium Point in Digbeth were told the centre was to close immediately on Sunday night.
The news met with anger from schools and other groups and complained a major community resource was being lost.
Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has bought the site in order to make way for the £6 billion redevelopment of Eastside.
But the organisation has distanced itself from blame for the closure, saying the decision was made entirely by the centre's owner, Duncan McGregor.
It revealed original negotiations were for the owners to sell the premises by March 2005 and that it was as surprised as everyone else at the sudden closure.
A spokesman for AWM said: "Last week Rockface gave us notice to bring forward the completion of the sale and closed the facility on Monday.
"It was entirely Rockface's decision and was a complete surprise to the agency."
Staff at the centre were served no notice about the closure and Mr McGregor has been unavailable for comment.
AWM declined to reveal how much he was paid for the premises but property experts claimed the sum was likely to be around the £1 million mark.
AWM admitted the centre, which teaches climbing and caving skills, was an asset, but added it did not fit in with the redevelopment plan.
It also stressed the sale had not been a compulsory selling order.
"The Rockface was a successful leisure centre with strong links to schools and the voluntary sector. It was originally thought it would be an asset to the development. However the shape of the building meant that it would be an unproductive use of land and so we looked at alternatives. One of those was the closure of Rock-face for a reallocation."
AWM said Mr McGregor's sudden decision to sell up had denied the organisation a chance to look at relocation.
Mr McGregor is believed to have opted for closure because the climbing facilities had been build specifically and were not transferable.
AWM stressed the importance of the Eastside regeneration.
Birmingham City Council Press statement 04.11.04
Statement re: Rockface closure
CABINET Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, Councillor John Alden said: “The loss of the Rockface climbing centre is a blow for the citizens of Birmingham as it was an important facility.
“I obviously sympathise with those users who are now left without a nearby similar indoor facility, but as a private venture we had no control at all over what the operator decided to do with his business.
“However, I can say that the Council would support in principle any plans for a similar venture in the city. We may be able to give practical help, for example in terms of planning procedures or identifying suitable sites.
“We have been invited to a meeting next week which has been arranged by the Midlands Area of the British Mountaineering Council and will be sending a representative.”
Statement re: Rockface closure
CABINET Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, Councillor John Alden said: “The loss of the Rockface climbing centre is a blow for the citizens of Birmingham as it was an important facility.
“I obviously sympathise with those users who are now left without a nearby similar indoor facility, but as a private venture we had no control at all over what the operator decided to do with his business.
“However, I can say that the Council would support in principle any plans for a similar venture in the city. We may be able to give practical help, for example in terms of planning procedures or identifying suitable sites.
“We have been invited to a meeting next week which has been arranged by the Midlands Area of the British Mountaineering Council and will be sending a representative.”
Advantage West Midlands is playing a lead role in the wholesale redevelopment of Eastside and the building currently occupied by Rockface sits at the end of the proposed Learning and Leisure Quarter of Eastside which will transform the area into a mixed use scheme.
As Rockface is a highly successful leisure scheme with strong links to both schools and the voluntary sector, it was originally thought that it would be an asset to the development. However the shape of the building meant that it would be an unproductive use of land and so we looked at all alternatives for Rockface
In 2003, having investigated ways of keeping climbing facilities on site, including a link up with a US company, all of which came to nothing, we agreed with the management on two further options. The first was the closure of the business and the other was to relocate the business elsewhere.
The first option would have cost substantially more. The reason for this was that Rockface had constructed a bespoke climbing wall which was built specifically for the shape and size of their existing building. This also meant that it could not be transferred to another building.
Therefore a deal was made this summer where Advantage West Midlands agreed to pay for the building and also for the Rockface. We then looked at how to structure the acquisition.
The contracts agreed between Advantage West Midlands and Rockface stipulated that Rockface would vacate their premises on either 1 September 2004 or 31 March 2005 and would serve us a suitable notice in either case. Subsequent to this, we would complete the acquisition.
Rockface gave us notice to bring forward the completion of the sale and closed the facility this Monday. This was entirely Rockface’s decision.
Nonetheless, the plans for the Leisure and Learning Quarter remain intact and there is in fact a possibility that a larger Leisure facility may be built at Aston University in the future with an Olympic sized swimming pool and climbing facilities. However, this is a long way from being a full proposal.
Many Thanks
Neil Skitt
As Rockface is a highly successful leisure scheme with strong links to both schools and the voluntary sector, it was originally thought that it would be an asset to the development. However the shape of the building meant that it would be an unproductive use of land and so we looked at all alternatives for Rockface
In 2003, having investigated ways of keeping climbing facilities on site, including a link up with a US company, all of which came to nothing, we agreed with the management on two further options. The first was the closure of the business and the other was to relocate the business elsewhere.
The first option would have cost substantially more. The reason for this was that Rockface had constructed a bespoke climbing wall which was built specifically for the shape and size of their existing building. This also meant that it could not be transferred to another building.
Therefore a deal was made this summer where Advantage West Midlands agreed to pay for the building and also for the Rockface. We then looked at how to structure the acquisition.
The contracts agreed between Advantage West Midlands and Rockface stipulated that Rockface would vacate their premises on either 1 September 2004 or 31 March 2005 and would serve us a suitable notice in either case. Subsequent to this, we would complete the acquisition.
Rockface gave us notice to bring forward the completion of the sale and closed the facility this Monday. This was entirely Rockface’s decision.
Nonetheless, the plans for the Leisure and Learning Quarter remain intact and there is in fact a possibility that a larger Leisure facility may be built at Aston University in the future with an Olympic sized swimming pool and climbing facilities. However, this is a long way from being a full proposal.
Many Thanks
Neil Skitt
In reply to Charles Gameson:
Reading that lot, are AWM willing to employ the staff of Rockface for a few months and run it till they need the land?
That may bring them some kudos, and if they find that it is profitable enough they may decide to build a new wall in the area similar to the one being closed.
Reading that lot, are AWM willing to employ the staff of Rockface for a few months and run it till they need the land?
That may bring them some kudos, and if they find that it is profitable enough they may decide to build a new wall in the area similar to the one being closed.
In reply to Charles Gameson:
BTW, I have absolutely no interest in wall climbing but feel those who have are being short changed.
I live where the real climbing is, yorkshire.
BTW, I have absolutely no interest in wall climbing but feel those who have are being short changed.
I live where the real climbing is, yorkshire.
Between a rock and a hard place Nov 9 2004
By James Cartledge, Evening Mail
Art student Nicola Church today emerged as the latest victim of the sudden closure of Birmingham's popular indoor climbing centre.
The 20-year-old had 11 abstract pieces worth at least £700 on show at the Rockface site when it shut last month.
Now Nicola has been reduced to banging on the disused centre's front door in a vain bid to discover when she will get her work back.
She said: "I was stunned when I heard the Rockface had closed down.
"I have tried ringing but the line just goes to a recorded message and now I have no idea what's happening.
"I want my work back because I'm attached to it and it was due back at the end of this month. I went to the centre over the weekend but nobody was there."
Nicola, from Redditch, heard the centre had closed down when her family read the news in the Evening Mail.
The Loughborough University fine art student's work had been on display since September. The arrangement happened when she approached Rockface staff after seeing art on show there.
The site, in AB Row, near millennium Point, closed suddenly on October 31. It was being bought by development agency Advantage West Midlands as part of the huge Eastside scheme.
But the deal was not due to go through until March and the city council - which is behind the Eastside scheme - said it could have stayed open for the "foreseeable future".
Climbers' groups are furious about the closure of the site, which has been described as the best in Europe and also catered for school and child-rens' parties.
A meeting to discuss the situation has been arranged for 7pm on Thursday at the Fairbridge youth organisation in Cheapside, Digbeth.
No one from the Rockface management team has been available to discuss the issue since the closure
By James Cartledge, Evening Mail
Art student Nicola Church today emerged as the latest victim of the sudden closure of Birmingham's popular indoor climbing centre.
The 20-year-old had 11 abstract pieces worth at least £700 on show at the Rockface site when it shut last month.
Now Nicola has been reduced to banging on the disused centre's front door in a vain bid to discover when she will get her work back.
She said: "I was stunned when I heard the Rockface had closed down.
"I have tried ringing but the line just goes to a recorded message and now I have no idea what's happening.
"I want my work back because I'm attached to it and it was due back at the end of this month. I went to the centre over the weekend but nobody was there."
Nicola, from Redditch, heard the centre had closed down when her family read the news in the Evening Mail.
The Loughborough University fine art student's work had been on display since September. The arrangement happened when she approached Rockface staff after seeing art on show there.
The site, in AB Row, near millennium Point, closed suddenly on October 31. It was being bought by development agency Advantage West Midlands as part of the huge Eastside scheme.
But the deal was not due to go through until March and the city council - which is behind the Eastside scheme - said it could have stayed open for the "foreseeable future".
Climbers' groups are furious about the closure of the site, which has been described as the best in Europe and also catered for school and child-rens' parties.
A meeting to discuss the situation has been arranged for 7pm on Thursday at the Fairbridge youth organisation in Cheapside, Digbeth.
No one from the Rockface management team has been available to discuss the issue since the closure
Tears at Rockface axe Nov 8 2004
TWO devastated sisters who burst into tears after learning the landmark indoor climbing centre they loved had closed without warning are pleading for it to be saved.
Heartbroken nine-year-old Hannah Pritchard and Tess, aged eight, cried floods of tears after hearing Rockface at Millennium Point was to be flattened.
The Boldmere Junior School pupils, who visited Rockface twice a month, are so upset that they penned an emotional letter to the Evening Mail pleading for it to be saved.
Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of the centre, at AB Row, described as the best in Europe, earlier this month.
Advantage West Midlands is acquiring the land to be cleared by Birmingham City Council for the huge billion-pound Eastside development. But the deal was not due to be completed until March.
Tess and Hannah's mum, 40-year-old housewife Jennifer, of Western Road, Sutton Coldfield, whose 45-year-old husband Steve is a management consultant, said: "The girls are absolutely distraught."
TWO devastated sisters who burst into tears after learning the landmark indoor climbing centre they loved had closed without warning are pleading for it to be saved.
Heartbroken nine-year-old Hannah Pritchard and Tess, aged eight, cried floods of tears after hearing Rockface at Millennium Point was to be flattened.
The Boldmere Junior School pupils, who visited Rockface twice a month, are so upset that they penned an emotional letter to the Evening Mail pleading for it to be saved.
Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of the centre, at AB Row, described as the best in Europe, earlier this month.
Advantage West Midlands is acquiring the land to be cleared by Birmingham City Council for the huge billion-pound Eastside development. But the deal was not due to be completed until March.
Tess and Hannah's mum, 40-year-old housewife Jennifer, of Western Road, Sutton Coldfield, whose 45-year-old husband Steve is a management consultant, said: "The girls are absolutely distraught."
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Elsewhere on the site
Loading Notifications...