VauxWall is an exciting new bouldering centre due to be open in Central London in the Spring of 2014.  Brought to you by the same team that has developed the Lakeland Climbing Centre in Kendal, we are aiming to set a new benchmark in terms of accessibility, quality of climbing and standard of environment.

VauxWall is currently being built within three railway arches under Vauxhall Station in Zone 1.  Our entrance is a little over 100m from the underground and overground rail exits with travel times of about 10 minutes from Oxford Circus and 5 minutes from the main rail terminus at Waterloo.  A lunchtime bouldering session for central London climbers will become a reality and our early 6am start and 10:30pm finish will attract commuters at both ends of the day!  We are very focused on queue control and plan e-waiver iPads and walk-in card readers for regular customers.  There is ample cycle parking as well as two nearby Boris bike docking stations.

The build is well under way following complete refurbishment of the arches by Network Rail.  The fit out is in the hands of Dunning and Bowers of Total Climbing Solutions, who are the masterminds behind the Depot Climbing Centres in Leeds and Nottingham.  500 square metres of ply is being cut up into lots of exciting angles; the matting has been ordered; and 5,000 brand new holds from 5 different suppliers are on their way!  The dedicated training area, café and shop are nicely taking shape and we are drinking lots of coffee in the search for the best bean machine around.

VauxWall is proud to announce its partnership with Scarpa and Marmot. As well as having the fantastic and versatile Scarpa Force X shoes for hire, our on-site shop will cover the majority of the Scarpa range from Thunders to the incredible new Stix. Our official clothing partner, Marmot has been committed to designing the highest quality performance clothing and equipment since 1974. As well as being very proud to wear their apparel as our uniform we will also stock a selective range in our shop.

We are keen that the Centre remains cool on sticky summer evenings and as dust free as humanly possible.  No expense is being spared on the air conditioning though its final design is proving a challenge.  At the current rate of progress, we hope to be open by the middle of April though this could easily slip into early May.  You can keep updated on our Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest news on progress.

Tom Hull, Centre Manager says “we are really looking forward to opening to the public and becoming part of the vibrant climbing scene in London.  We want to thank the many people who have provided invaluable advice and help in getting the project this far and we look forward to welcoming climbers to the Centre in a few weeks time. I am delighted that we have now finalised our new staff team and it is a terrific group of people with huge energy and enthusiasm to take the business forward".

I must go now as lots of T-nutting still to be done!”

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