Dundee’s first-ever bouldering-focused gym could open in the new year if plans get the green light from council planning bosses.
Block10 Bouldering, which would be located at Angus Works on Tannadice Street, is scheduled to open to the public in January.
The project is the brainchild of 36-year-old Gavin Christie, an avid climber who wants to open the sport up to the wider Dundee community.
He said: “I’m big into climbing and I thought to myself, I’m going to Edinburgh and there is nothing like that in Dundee.
“There’s Avertical World [on Blinshall Street] but it’s not quite the same thing. [With Block10] people don’t have to chose between a gym or a climbing wall.”
What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a style of climbing done close to the ground without the use of ropes and harnesses but with crash matting for protection.
Compared to rock climbing, which is done with a rope and protective gear, bouldering only requires your climbing shoes and the use of a crashpad to break your landings.
Hopes sport can be more accessible
Gavin, who is originally from the Hilltown, took up the sport after injuring himself playing football and hopes to make it more “accessible and affordable”.
Block10 will be home to 600m² of climbing walls, a full strength and conditioning gym, a yoga studio and café.
The climbing walls have been designed by Walltopia – a Bulgarian climbing wall manufacturer who have made equipment for the Olympics and the climbing world cup.
The civil engineer said: “We are trying to build programmes around fitness and climbing to introduce people to the sport.
“You can pay as you go, just as you turn up but we will also offer member membership for the whole centre.”
‘No experience needed’
Gavin has big plans for the unit, which he hopes can become more than just a gym and a place to go climbing but rather a hub for people in the community.
“We are trying to build the community around climbing. It will be very much a social place and we want to help the community”, he said.
“We’re planning yoga classes for mums and children and helping kids to overcome their fears by showing them what they can achieve.
“No prior experience in climbing is needed – everyone is welcome.”
Conversation