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Is it true? The Rockface is Dead?
In reply to robert mirfin:
Yes, a group of retro-bolters, armed to the Hilti, had a contract out on it.
Bob
Yes, a group of retro-bolters, armed to the Hilti, had a contract out on it.
Bob
In reply to Bob:Oh Well!
1
In reply to robert mirfin: I have just heard from somebody that it has been shut down for good??? Does anybody know if this is true?????
In reply to MountainGal: Ive just Heard the same, im not sure if its true!!!!
In reply to robert mirfin: Ive just had text from a friend, its true, rockface is closed forever. They owe me money on my annual membership, sly Ba****ds !!!
In reply to robert mirfin:
Surely they can't just say this is it & close it - what about all of us that have paid annual membership!
Looks like they may have know about this since March – found info about the compulsory purchase on the following linkhttp://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=19561&CONT...
Surely they can't just say this is it & close it - what about all of us that have paid annual membership!
Looks like they may have know about this since March – found info about the compulsory purchase on the following linkhttp://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=19561&CONT...
In reply to robert mirfin:
If it is true a lot of good people could be out of work. I feel more for them.
If it is true a lot of good people could be out of work. I feel more for them.
In reply to robert mirfin:
Looks like its back over the road for some top Aston Action again then lads.
Looks like its back over the road for some top Aston Action again then lads.
In reply to Rob: Hope they have had more notice than us. Some good people work there.
In reply to Julian W: what about the girls
In reply to Julian W:I think bear wall might get a bit busy. Maybe it's a good thing ,get some really training done.
In reply to NickReyner: Yes there were some fit girls ther, gonna miss them. Aston Rules!
In reply to robert mirfin: not quite what I meant, but know what you mean
In reply to NickReyner: Only joking, I hope that no one is gonna get messed about, and all the people who have paid annual membership get a refund? otherwise I think there will be a lot of very angry people around. Would be intresting to hear what`s going to happen there. Don`t worry tho folks there will soon be plenty more climbing coming up shortly.
In reply to robert mirfin: where when what how???
In reply to NickReyner: From the Birmingham Council web site:
"Notification of the Order is served on all those having an interest in the land. This then allows for objections to be made. Anyone can object to the Order, not just those having interests in the land concerned."
I object! Why weren't we told about this earlier?!? I could have had a quiet word with two jags Prescott and made him see sense! And if they do get "sufficient compensation to set up a new home", will they do so? Will there be a Rockface 2?
A note to all Rockface employees, cheers to all you guys for your help, i know you must be way more gutted than we could ever be. Hope everything goes well with you.
"Notification of the Order is served on all those having an interest in the land. This then allows for objections to be made. Anyone can object to the Order, not just those having interests in the land concerned."
I object! Why weren't we told about this earlier?!? I could have had a quiet word with two jags Prescott and made him see sense! And if they do get "sufficient compensation to set up a new home", will they do so? Will there be a Rockface 2?
A note to all Rockface employees, cheers to all you guys for your help, i know you must be way more gutted than we could ever be. Hope everything goes well with you.
In reply to robert mirfin:
All joking aside, is this true?
I need to know cos we've just discovered Bear Rock and now it's going to be inundated...bugger!
All joking aside, is this true?
I need to know cos we've just discovered Bear Rock and now it's going to be inundated...bugger!
In reply to Julian W: Oh my god Aston is going to be rammed.
Bollox it has closed. See premier post on Climbing Wall section.
Nooooooo!
Nooooooo!
In reply to tinh:
Aston is indeed going to be rammed!
As an aside, would any of our resident legal eagles care to comment on the position with respect to annual memberships? (They were still selling these long after they must have know the centre was due to close.)
Aston is indeed going to be rammed!
As an aside, would any of our resident legal eagles care to comment on the position with respect to annual memberships? (They were still selling these long after they must have know the centre was due to close.)
In reply to robert mirfin: Why is it closed? what reason did they give?
In reply to Alan James - UKC: yer but why?!? surley the fact that it was the only decent wall in brum, and was always busy?!?
In reply to Alan James - UKC:
Although I would never have used that wall it seems a bit of sharp practice to not inform its regular punters that it may close in the near future due to redevelopment. As a lot of people off here seem to have used it why did they not say what may happen?
Although I would never have used that wall it seems a bit of sharp practice to not inform its regular punters that it may close in the near future due to redevelopment. As a lot of people off here seem to have used it why did they not say what may happen?
In reply to Little Brew:
I guess that, if Birmingham City Ciouncil want to redevelop the land, then they will make a compulsory purchase order. I think that is what they did in which case the owners of the wall are better off selling. But I don't really know.
Why not ask on the Premier Post?
I guess that, if Birmingham City Ciouncil want to redevelop the land, then they will make a compulsory purchase order. I think that is what they did in which case the owners of the wall are better off selling. But I don't really know.
Why not ask on the Premier Post?
Just as a boringly practical point, does anyone know how many people they can safely fit into Bear Rock and how close they are to hitting this limit at the moment?
Closing the Rockface means that there are going to be people travelling quite some distance to get to Warwick - it's going to get quite seriously annoying if it becomes the routine that you arrange to leave work early, pay large amounts of beer tokens for train fares, suffer multiple changes of public transport and then discover when you get there that you can't climb because the wall has reached its fire limit or something.
Closing the Rockface means that there are going to be people travelling quite some distance to get to Warwick - it's going to get quite seriously annoying if it becomes the routine that you arrange to leave work early, pay large amounts of beer tokens for train fares, suffer multiple changes of public transport and then discover when you get there that you can't climb because the wall has reached its fire limit or something.
In reply to Wingnut:
Bear Rock is really crap. You wouldn't like it, honestly.
And I reckon you'd get about ten people in there tops, so I'd not bother if I were you
Bear Rock is really crap. You wouldn't like it, honestly.
And I reckon you'd get about ten people in there tops, so I'd not bother if I were you
In reply to sutty:
Rumours of the Rockface closing down have been around for nearly a year! Just do a search for Rockface here on ukclimbing and check out some of the earlier threads.
Furthermore it was obvious it was going to shut down for all those who paid a visit there recently - service and cost appalling to say the least. With many people complaining - nothing was being done which did seem rather suspicious. Not strange though if you are secretly going to close in the months to come and thus don't care about the service you provide.
In answer to your question. Why they didn't say anything?
MONEY of course!
Rumours of the Rockface closing down have been around for nearly a year! Just do a search for Rockface here on ukclimbing and check out some of the earlier threads.
Furthermore it was obvious it was going to shut down for all those who paid a visit there recently - service and cost appalling to say the least. With many people complaining - nothing was being done which did seem rather suspicious. Not strange though if you are secretly going to close in the months to come and thus don't care about the service you provide.
In answer to your question. Why they didn't say anything?
MONEY of course!
In reply to JonC:
Nice wall, imho, but it's not particularly convenient to get to and I can see the ventilation problem getting rather worse at full usage.
Nice wall, imho, but it's not particularly convenient to get to and I can see the ventilation problem getting rather worse at full usage.
In reply to Little Brew: I say we start an email campaign to get some kind of climbing facilities in Birmingham. They're always complaining about childhood obesity and lack of community spirit, the Rockface was a brilliant place to exercise and meet new people. Email Birmingham City Council (they work for YOU remember!): contact@birmingham.gov.uk
I'm going to send a couple of mails to BBC and ITV local news, we should be able to get some media coverage. If people know how many of us care about climbing, the arrival of a new facility will be more likely (after all, the rockface always seemed a lot busier than millenium point :P).
P.S., for all those thinking of cancelling direct debits for membership, I'd hold off phoning your bank. It was all handled by a third party company who could feasibly take you to court for non-payment. It'll all be sorted, don't cancel it as a knee jerk reaction.
I'm going to send a couple of mails to BBC and ITV local news, we should be able to get some media coverage. If people know how many of us care about climbing, the arrival of a new facility will be more likely (after all, the rockface always seemed a lot busier than millenium point :P).
P.S., for all those thinking of cancelling direct debits for membership, I'd hold off phoning your bank. It was all handled by a third party company who could feasibly take you to court for non-payment. It'll all be sorted, don't cancel it as a knee jerk reaction.
Selfishness apart - this is a disaster.
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
Erm, yes, but they don't seem to be getting very far. Will be delighted if they do.
This is really starting to sink in now. The Rockface has been a significant part of life for so many years. Going to miss it a lot but feel so sorry for the staff and kids etc
Erm, yes, but they don't seem to be getting very far. Will be delighted if they do.
This is really starting to sink in now. The Rockface has been a significant part of life for so many years. Going to miss it a lot but feel so sorry for the staff and kids etc
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
That's been going for ages! Very nice that someone's trying to start something, but they've been going at it forever without any concrete results. Apparently the council are being less than helpful.
That's been going for ages! Very nice that someone's trying to start something, but they've been going at it forever without any concrete results. Apparently the council are being less than helpful.
In reply to Patrick Ruane: I am so gutted! I am going to write to the Birmingham post, Birmingham council and the lottery fund even though i wont be in the country in 2 weeks! I think everyone that really cares should do the same. Shouldnt the government and local councils be encouraging places like the rockface not tearing them down! I have never been to Aston but the bear is so small compared to the rockface and theres no way it will hold that many people from Birmingham. GUTTED!
In reply to Wingnut: Then thats why we all need to write to the council and make a stand! Everyone moans about the government and the fact that they feel helpless to do anything. I know this sounds dramatic but this is your chance to stand up for something that u feel strongly about. Its not just cos its climbing, Birmingham should be making an effort to build more centres for kids to do sports. Why tear something down that was thriving and was a good thing for Birmingham. I know we probably cant save the rockface where it is but surely we can encourage them to build another one. To relocate somewhere that isnt going to be redeveloped and to redevelop this new climbing centre so it works for everyone!
In reply to ickleiz:
Birmingham City Council:
contact@birmingham.gov.uk
BBC Local News:
birmingham@bbc.co.uk
Lets get this on the news, people!
Birmingham City Council:
contact@birmingham.gov.uk
BBC Local News:
birmingham@bbc.co.uk
Lets get this on the news, people!
In reply to The sharp end:
More like 7 years, the plan was for it to go around the time that the City Council started developing millenium point, way back in '97!
> Rumours of the Rockface closing down have been around for nearly a year! Just do a search for Rockface here on ukclimbing and check out some of the earlier threads.
More like 7 years, the plan was for it to go around the time that the City Council started developing millenium point, way back in '97!
In reply to robert mirfin: The dumb thing is that the Millenium Point seems a complete White Elephant. In building it they closed down the really good science museum and moved it there where it hardly seems to have thrived. I'm not sure what they are planning to put in the Rock Faces place but i doubt it will be as succesful if they are seeking to expand the millenium point idea.
In reply to tinhh:
Maybe someone should build a *good* climbing wall for the new century on the spot of the old one?!
Maybe someone should build a *good* climbing wall for the new century on the spot of the old one?!
In reply to tinhh: By the looks of it, they're going to put a science park where the Rockface is (http://tinyurl.com/57y9k). Well worth it, a real bonus for the people of Birmingham. I guess it'll get the council more in taxes. Where can I get visitor figures for Millenium point, has anyone ever seen someone go in there?
The email for the planning office is:
development.planning@birmingham.gov.uk
The email for the planning office is:
development.planning@birmingham.gov.uk
In reply to Patrick Ruane: Make that http://tinyurl.com/57y9k
In reply to someone earlier:
You would have thought that they would have told the staff earlier, but from what i've heard they heard at the same time as evryone else...late last night! The rock face were still taking on new staff as late as a a couple of weeks ago, so maybe something moved faster than they were expecting, and i know for a fact that the rockface still hasnt told all of them that they're out of a job!!....
You would have thought that they would have told the staff earlier, but from what i've heard they heard at the same time as evryone else...late last night! The rock face were still taking on new staff as late as a a couple of weeks ago, so maybe something moved faster than they were expecting, and i know for a fact that the rockface still hasnt told all of them that they're out of a job!!....
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
i doubt it, as these places generally give tax incentives!
> By the looks of it, they're going to put a science park where the Rockface is (http://tinyurl.com/57y9k). Well worth it, a real bonus for the people of Birmingham. I guess it'll get the council more in taxes.
i doubt it, as these places generally give tax incentives!
In reply to robert mirfin:
f this is all true and correct then :
you can chase the directors for your dosh. It looks to me as if they have knowingly taken your money when they knew they were going to close due to the cp.
If a director of a company acts in a manner that is illegal or fraudulant then he personaly becomes liable for the monies he has precured from you guys. You cannot hide behind the companies limited liabilty e.g Ltd.
I am no legal expert but i recon you should get together and chase these people before they disappear. Form an action group and get your subs. before the staff do like wise
f this is all true and correct then :
you can chase the directors for your dosh. It looks to me as if they have knowingly taken your money when they knew they were going to close due to the cp.
If a director of a company acts in a manner that is illegal or fraudulant then he personaly becomes liable for the monies he has precured from you guys. You cannot hide behind the companies limited liabilty e.g Ltd.
I am no legal expert but i recon you should get together and chase these people before they disappear. Form an action group and get your subs. before the staff do like wise
In reply to anonymous1:
We must point out that we are in the process of writing to annual members who are owed money as well as people who have made bookings with us. We are refunding these people their money - there is no intention to 'run off with anybody's money'. This is a sad day for everyone and there are a lot of people who we need to get in touch with - please bear with us during this time.
We must point out that we are in the process of writing to annual members who are owed money as well as people who have made bookings with us. We are refunding these people their money - there is no intention to 'run off with anybody's money'. This is a sad day for everyone and there are a lot of people who we need to get in touch with - please bear with us during this time.
In reply to robert mirfin:
unbelievable. ive been going there for about 6 years or so and loved it loads. i think it was a stupid move to have that modern art wanky gallery upstairs, and that sandwich shop thing was so unnecessary it was always gonna fail. oh well though, never have the time to climb any more anyway.
unbelievable. ive been going there for about 6 years or so and loved it loads. i think it was a stupid move to have that modern art wanky gallery upstairs, and that sandwich shop thing was so unnecessary it was always gonna fail. oh well though, never have the time to climb any more anyway.
In reply to Rockface: Thanks for your reassurance. It would be nice to have some more background on this, i think most of the reactions posted here are borne out of shock. How long have you known the Rockface was going to close? Are there any plans by the management / owners to open another facility somewhere else in the Birmingham area? When will work commence on the site, is there no way it could have stayed open longer to give us time to adjust / find an alternative? Is there any possibility we can save the Rockface (do you need us to campaign & write letters)?
It seems the general consensus is that we all really like the Rockface, ok, it wasn't perfect, but these things seldom are. The more information you can give us, the easier it'll be to move on (we need closure!). I guess the main thing is we want to wish the staff all the best for the future. We can find somewhere else to climb, finding new work isn't that easy.
It seems the general consensus is that we all really like the Rockface, ok, it wasn't perfect, but these things seldom are. The more information you can give us, the easier it'll be to move on (we need closure!). I guess the main thing is we want to wish the staff all the best for the future. We can find somewhere else to climb, finding new work isn't that easy.
In reply to Rockface:
Thanks for the reassurance. But . . . the senior management must have known about this beforehand, so why didn't they tell anybody?
Thanks for the reassurance. But . . . the senior management must have known about this beforehand, so why didn't they tell anybody?
In reply to Wingnut:
Think we need someone to see how busy it is at Bear Rock this week. Went for the first time on Saturday and loved it, but don't want to drive all the way there and find its full, so I'll just nip down to Aston this week.
Can someone post about how full it is this week?
Think we need someone to see how busy it is at Bear Rock this week. Went for the first time on Saturday and loved it, but don't want to drive all the way there and find its full, so I'll just nip down to Aston this week.
Can someone post about how full it is this week?
In reply to Wingnut:
sometimes part of the contract to sell requests a non-disclosure etc, so that no 3rd party can intefere with teh deal. How much lobying would have gone on if youd known it was being sold 6 mths ago? maybe why they kept quiet?
sometimes part of the contract to sell requests a non-disclosure etc, so that no 3rd party can intefere with teh deal. How much lobying would have gone on if youd known it was being sold 6 mths ago? maybe why they kept quiet?
In reply to Rockface:
Will you be considering selling your crash mats? I know of a local university on the look out for some replacement mats.
Thanks
Matt
Will you be considering selling your crash mats? I know of a local university on the look out for some replacement mats.
Thanks
Matt
To all:
Seems like the Rockface owners sold out to a developer, albeit as part of the council's plans to redevelop that area. Could be wrong but it seems that way. If so, the sale would have been kept under wraps until the last moment - as would any private sale. Indeed, they were probably legally bound to keep quiet about it. Regrettable for us lot but quite understandable from the owner's perspective. I imagine everyone will get refunds. They've probably sold for so much cash that they (or the new owners of the property) won't have any problem doing so. I don't think I'd worry overly on that count. Incidentally, the Rockface was privately owned, not owned by the council, so don't expect the ex-owners to worry about setting up a new wall or finding a replacement. Get real.
Seems like the Rockface owners sold out to a developer, albeit as part of the council's plans to redevelop that area. Could be wrong but it seems that way. If so, the sale would have been kept under wraps until the last moment - as would any private sale. Indeed, they were probably legally bound to keep quiet about it. Regrettable for us lot but quite understandable from the owner's perspective. I imagine everyone will get refunds. They've probably sold for so much cash that they (or the new owners of the property) won't have any problem doing so. I don't think I'd worry overly on that count. Incidentally, the Rockface was privately owned, not owned by the council, so don't expect the ex-owners to worry about setting up a new wall or finding a replacement. Get real.
In reply to Patrick Ruane: I though Millennium Point was just a rather expensive climbing wall locator, since anyone who has ever asked me how to get to Rockface, I've always told them to follow the Millennium Point signs and stop before you fall off the end of the road - back in the old days when the road did stop rather abruptly.
In reply to robert mirfin: This is going to leave a rather big hole in the climbing facilities for the Midlands. It was the 'Westway/Castle/Mile End' establishment of the region and it can only cause a detriment to the 'sport' of climbing. A lot of us will see the loss of a climbing wall as a good thing, but as the BMC points out, so many people nowadays - particularly the young - start climbing indoors.
In reply to Andrew Primrose:
Excuse me?
Even if not a particular fan of climbing indoors as an activity in its own right, one can hardly fail to see it's uses as a training facility over the winter etc. No?
> A lot of us will see the loss of a climbing wall as a good thing
Excuse me?
Even if not a particular fan of climbing indoors as an activity in its own right, one can hardly fail to see it's uses as a training facility over the winter etc. No?
In reply to Andrew Primrose:
>>A lot of us will see the loss of a climbing wall as a good thing
So how else do you maintain fitness over the winter when you live miles from real rock? Sure, it isn't real climbing, it's a type of specialised gym - but it's a specific type of gym that we don't have enough of! And in the case of this one, it also served as a contact point for umpteen local clubs who *are* very much into real rock.
>>A lot of us will see the loss of a climbing wall as a good thing
So how else do you maintain fitness over the winter when you live miles from real rock? Sure, it isn't real climbing, it's a type of specialised gym - but it's a specific type of gym that we don't have enough of! And in the case of this one, it also served as a contact point for umpteen local clubs who *are* very much into real rock.
In reply to Wingnut: I'm actually pretty distraught, i'm not taking this well. And i've only been climbing since March! In my defence, i've only just started going outdoors (it is over an hour to real rock from Walsall), so I still feel more at home on plastic. If the weather was guaranteed good at the weekends, i wouldn't mind so much, but when it's damp / green, it's tough to get used real rock.
Has anyone been to Xscape yet?
http://www.xscape.co.uk/castleford/
There may be too much competition from Star City, but i like the idea.
If anyone's got enough space, http://www.indoorclimbing.com/climbing_walls.html
Has anyone been to Xscape yet?
http://www.xscape.co.uk/castleford/
There may be too much competition from Star City, but i like the idea.
If anyone's got enough space, http://www.indoorclimbing.com/climbing_walls.html
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
It's not a wall for climbers, it's a wall for kids having an "adventure day". Something like £5 per hour with top-roping only and mandatory supervision.
> Has anyone been to Xscape yet?
It's not a wall for climbers, it's a wall for kids having an "adventure day". Something like £5 per hour with top-roping only and mandatory supervision.
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
> Is there any possibility we can save the Rockface (do you need us to campaign & write letters)?
They would HATE that, they've made a killing on what was a run down industrial building close to the city centre, why would they want to stop the sale? It was always a business venture and never about the climbing!! In reply to Rockface:
Dear Mr Rockface,
I will also be expecting to hear from you regarding my 'annual membership fee' or as it was also known the bloody money that you conned out of me for an occasional visit. There were several months of that remaining and I expect to be reimbursed on a pro-rata basis, without any deductions for administrative costs as you are the party that have terminated the agreement.
I expect to receive said refund within 28 days, you will be receiving a formal letter advising you of this fact in due course. If said refund isn't received within 28 days, then I will commence proceedings in the small claims court and you will incur further costs (a charge of £25 for my time) and the courts costs.
Best Wishes,
Jaded of Smethwick
> Please note we will be contacting annual members (unlimited entry package) by post.
Dear Mr Rockface,
I will also be expecting to hear from you regarding my 'annual membership fee' or as it was also known the bloody money that you conned out of me for an occasional visit. There were several months of that remaining and I expect to be reimbursed on a pro-rata basis, without any deductions for administrative costs as you are the party that have terminated the agreement.
I expect to receive said refund within 28 days, you will be receiving a formal letter advising you of this fact in due course. If said refund isn't received within 28 days, then I will commence proceedings in the small claims court and you will incur further costs (a charge of £25 for my time) and the courts costs.
Best Wishes,
Jaded of Smethwick
In reply to Jaded of Smethwick: "bloody money that you conned out of me for an occasional visit."
As much as I hate/hated the rockface it is not there fault that you did not make the most of you membership.
As much as I hate/hated the rockface it is not there fault that you did not make the most of you membership.
In reply to Blinder: So the annual membership fee wasn't a con? I think it was, there are many other walls, which I have used on an occasional basis that did not insist that I had to be a 'member'!
In reply to robert mirfin:
For all those midlanders out there
in case you didn't know -
There is serious potential for a climbing wall being built in Shrewsbury and currently a petition going on at High Sports there!
Something of interest perhaps!
Any new wall in the area is surely a wellcome after the closure of the Rockface - so what do you think? - get down there and get your name down.
I did.
For all those midlanders out there
in case you didn't know -
There is serious potential for a climbing wall being built in Shrewsbury and currently a petition going on at High Sports there!
Something of interest perhaps!
Any new wall in the area is surely a wellcome after the closure of the Rockface - so what do you think? - get down there and get your name down.
I did.
In reply to robert mirfin:
It´s Monday night and i´m sitting in an Internet Cafe in Benidorm. I´ve had 10 texts and 15 emails about the Rockface closing, it is indeed a very sad time for all us Birmingham based climbers.
We have been working hard trying to get the new climbing centre off the ground, there are so many obstacles to overcome and the councils red tape make it so much harder to accompolish our goal. We will most definately be building a new wall in Birmingham and if we can get the planning permissions to go through this time we could even be building by Christmas this year.
It´s Monday night and i´m sitting in an Internet Cafe in Benidorm. I´ve had 10 texts and 15 emails about the Rockface closing, it is indeed a very sad time for all us Birmingham based climbers.
We have been working hard trying to get the new climbing centre off the ground, there are so many obstacles to overcome and the councils red tape make it so much harder to accompolish our goal. We will most definately be building a new wall in Birmingham and if we can get the planning permissions to go through this time we could even be building by Christmas this year.
In reply to robert mirfin:
The Midlands Area of the BMC is holding an open meeting for all climbers to air there concern that there is no longer a premier climbing wall in the West Midlands.
Obviously we will not be able to reopen the Rockface - but we need to look to the future. Come to the meeting and perhaps you will be able to influence the kind of wall we need in Birmingham.
For details of the meeting please see the BMC discussion page.
Charles Gameson
BMC Midlands Area Secretary
The Midlands Area of the BMC is holding an open meeting for all climbers to air there concern that there is no longer a premier climbing wall in the West Midlands.
Obviously we will not be able to reopen the Rockface - but we need to look to the future. Come to the meeting and perhaps you will be able to influence the kind of wall we need in Birmingham.
For details of the meeting please see the BMC discussion page.
Charles Gameson
BMC Midlands Area Secretary
In reply to robert mirfin:
Ok, ok. My household held a minute's silence for the Rockface, but does anyone know of nearby indoor walls: we have nothing to do with our weeknights now!
Help!
Ok, ok. My household held a minute's silence for the Rockface, but does anyone know of nearby indoor walls: we have nothing to do with our weeknights now!
Help!
In reply to Dave Brooks: Went to Warwick last night and spoke to some locals. It seems it is already busy without regulars from the rockface desending on it! The bouldering wall is great but i can see that anymore than 10 people in there at a time is going to create all sorts of problems. Its going to get real busy!
In reply to Dave Brooks: I'll be popping (45 minute journey!) across to Bear Rock tonight to check it out. I'll put a post on when I get home to let you know how busy it is and what it's like. The photo's on this site look good (if a bit cosy), we'll see how it goes.
I think we need to get as many people to the BMC's EGM on Thursday 11th November at 7 at Fairbridge, http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=105751
Maybe they could get some kind of measure of the strength of feeling around at the moment? A petition in support of the people who are trying to open a new wall? I'm sure they know what they're doing so I won't try and second guess them
See you all on the 11th (is there a good pub near Fairbridge?).
I think we need to get as many people to the BMC's EGM on Thursday 11th November at 7 at Fairbridge, http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=105751
Maybe they could get some kind of measure of the strength of feeling around at the moment? A petition in support of the people who are trying to open a new wall? I'm sure they know what they're doing so I won't try and second guess them
See you all on the 11th (is there a good pub near Fairbridge?).
In reply to Dave Brooks:
Alternative walls:
Warwick Uni aka Bear Rock. Recently refurbished, both bouldering and leading. Walls go up to quite a respectable height but the room itself is fairly small and apparently it already gets quite busy.
Aston Uni. Tiny moulded concrete bouldering wall in the Gem sports centre. Fingery, polished in places and has rather 'sporting' mats
Vertical Limit, Worcester. Just round the corner from Shrub Hill station. Recently opened, both top-roping and bloddering. Small (18 lines) and not very high.
Birmingham Uni. Not a purpose-built climbing wall at all, but a stone retaining wall on which there has been a long tradition of bouldering and traversing - the university don't seem to mind. Outdoors, so not a lot of use in winter.
The Ackers. Brick and block outdoor wall, of limited use for training on but good for practising ropework. Need to keep a very close eye on personal possessions as it is in a less than salubrious area of Brum and the local yoofs take a keen interest in climbers.
Alternative walls:
In reply to Wingnut:
I've climbed on an indoor wall at Birmingham Uni. In the main sports complex, past the weights gym and opposite some badminton courts. Vertical and not very good but it was there a few years ago.
Alan
> Birmingham Uni. Not a purpose-built climbing wall at all, but a stone retaining wall on which there has been a long tradition of bouldering and traversing - the university don't seem to mind. Outdoors, so not a lot of use in winter.
I've climbed on an indoor wall at Birmingham Uni. In the main sports complex, past the weights gym and opposite some badminton courts. Vertical and not very good but it was there a few years ago.
Alan
In reply to Alan James - UKC: i think that the uni shut it down on safety grounds!
In reply to Wingnut:
looks like the future for any midlander climber wanting to train on plastic in the long winter evenings could turn out to be to have to book an evening session place at a wall weeks in advance to avoid overcrowdedness (if that's a word)
looks like the future for any midlander climber wanting to train on plastic in the long winter evenings could turn out to be to have to book an evening session place at a wall weeks in advance to avoid overcrowdedness (if that's a word)
In reply to StonedDeranger: apparently it was quite busy last night, bit of a struggle to get routes, but am going either wed or thurs, so will let people know.
In reply to Patrick Ruane: avoid 4-30 to 7pm -student club night-you,ll have to queue!!
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
Any chance on picking up a small blonde on your way past Birmingham.
Any chance on picking up a small blonde on your way past Birmingham.
In reply to mike g smith:
be prepared looks like the masses are about to descend to bear rock!
it won't be the same
be prepared looks like the masses are about to descend to bear rock!
it won't be the same
In reply to Charlie: It depends if that blond is going to climb seriously, cause it'll add about 20 minutes to my journey each way :P also, it closes at 9.30 apparently, so she won't be home until 10.15, is that a bit late for a school night?
If she's going to climb properly, she can email me by clicking on my name above.
If any other single blonds, above the age of 21 preferably, want a lift, you know how to contact me
If she's going to climb properly, she can email me by clicking on my name above.
If any other single blonds, above the age of 21 preferably, want a lift, you know how to contact me
In reply to Charlie:
Charlie, I can't reply to your email. I'll pick you up if you like, can you email me your address & phone number? I'll probably be round about 6.15. See you soon.
Charlie, I can't reply to your email. I'll pick you up if you like, can you email me your address & phone number? I'll probably be round about 6.15. See you soon.
In reply to Patrick Ruane:
Well, went to Bear Rock last night, it was v. v. crowded (& pretty hot!). By the looks of it, it's at capacity as it is! It seems the way forward is to wait for the weekend & hope for good weather over Burbage. I can only urge you again to come to the BMC extraordinary general meeting on the 11th, http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=105751
>>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.
Well, went to Bear Rock last night, it was v. v. crowded (& pretty hot!). By the looks of it, it's at capacity as it is! It seems the way forward is to wait for the weekend & hope for good weather over Burbage. I can only urge you again to come to the BMC extraordinary general meeting on the 11th, http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=105751
>>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.
In reply to Rockface: I would like to ask that the Rockface give a little more information. It seems bad business to communicate as poorly as you have. Do you have plans to open at a new site? A committed band of members surely is an asset not to be thrown away lightly...does this mean you are pulling out of Birmingham or indeed pulling out of the climbing wall business altogether?
A simple '...please be patient and await possible developments...' would suffice if delicate negotiations are in progress...
A simple '...please be patient and await possible developments...' would suffice if delicate negotiations are in progress...
In reply to Nigel Modern: They've had your money and they have had the developers money, they don't need yours anymore!
In reply to robert mirfin:
Just to let any other annual members know - I've had my cheque for a chunk of money in the post today (just gotta wait to see if it clears....).
If you don't like what you've been sent, why not write to them insteada bitchin'? They seem to have been pretty proactive to me and they probably have more than enough letter writing on their plate at the mo'.
Just to let any other annual members know - I've had my cheque for a chunk of money in the post today (just gotta wait to see if it clears....).
If you don't like what you've been sent, why not write to them insteada bitchin'? They seem to have been pretty proactive to me and they probably have more than enough letter writing on their plate at the mo'.
In reply to Bothermere: The longer their silence the more we will draw our own conclusions. I think they will pay what they owe (they owe no money to me) but it's the loss of goodwill I don't understand...I think you're right and they have pulled out. Apparently people 'in the business' knew it was closing as long ago as March. When I said 'you mean rumours' the individual I spoke to said that no, he knew it would close.
It seems odd that they closed now as the developers are reported in the press as saying that they could have continued trading until March.
It seems odd that they closed now as the developers are reported in the press as saying that they could have continued trading until March.
In reply to robert mirfin: 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.
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 Nigel Modern:
a few years ago i herd something about there being problems and that the instructors were wonderin how long it would servive. however i stopped going for several months due to other commitments and when i came back the shop was gone and everythin seemed fine again.
i herd nothing about this even when i was climbing with instructors on the 31st. they did not seem to know anythin about the closing as they all talked as normal about climbing today and new routes. they are either much better actors than i would have given the credit for or they rele didnt know.
a few years ago i herd something about there being problems and that the instructors were wonderin how long it would servive. however i stopped going for several months due to other commitments and when i came back the shop was gone and everythin seemed fine again.
i herd nothing about this even when i was climbing with instructors on the 31st. they did not seem to know anythin about the closing as they all talked as normal about climbing today and new routes. they are either much better actors than i would have given the credit for or they rele didnt know.
In reply to robert mirfin:
I have emails Advantage West Midlands in an attempt to find out what the site will be used for.
Any information will be posted when possible.
Im guessing it will be another of the wonderful development along the lines of the mailbox or millenium point.
I have emails Advantage West Midlands in an attempt to find out what the site will be used for.
Any information will be posted when possible.
Im guessing it will be another of the wonderful development along the lines of the mailbox or millenium point.
In reply to giantrider69: Staff would have known nothing, those McGregor boys play their cards very close to their chests, but were talking about the sell off many years ago!
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
In reply to Charles Gameson:
If the former rock face owners open a wall, i'll definitely think twice before going. Anyone who treats their customers and staff as badly as they have doesn't deserve our business. Good luck to anyone who has any ventures in the pipeline, my membership money'll be in the post.
If the former rock face owners open a wall, i'll definitely think twice before going. Anyone who treats their customers and staff as badly as they have doesn't deserve our business. Good luck to anyone who has any ventures in the pipeline, my membership money'll be in the post.
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
Hi the agenda for the BMC Midlands Area Open Meeting to discuss the closure of The Rockface and the future of indoor climbing in Brum is on the BMC Forum
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=106653
Regards
Charles Gameson
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=106653
Regards
Charles Gameson
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."
In reply to Charles Gameson:
(but only by the pillocks who ran it)
> described as the best in Europe
(but only by the pillocks who ran it)
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