Scarborough Charity to Invest in Expanded Indoor Climbing Facilities

The Scarborough climbing community is celebrating CaVCA's investment in expanded indoor climbing facilities

Local community development charity, Coast and Vale Community Action (CaVCA), has committed to investing in the expansion of indoor climbing and bouldering facilities at its ‘The Street’ community centre and says the development marks a "significant milestone in enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike and has come about following a long developmental process".

The Street, a vibrant hub for various community activities, will soon be home to upgraded and expanded climbing facilities, thanks to CaVCA's ability to secure support from Charity Bank to add to its own investment from charity reserves. This project is set to transform the current climbing area into a state-of-the-art facility, catering to climbers of all ages and skill levels.

David Scriver, a representative of the Scarborough climbing community said:

"We are incredibly excited about CaVCA's decision to invest in our climbing facilities,

This expansion will provide a much-needed boost to our local climbing scene, offering more opportunities for people to engage in this challenging and rewarding sport."

The planned enhancements include the installation of eight new 12m climbing walls, including a feature wall, for both top-rope and lead climbing, and a dedicated bouldering and conditioning suite. The expansion of the facility will offer a variety of climbing programmes including the nationally accredited NICAS scheme, and events designed to foster a sense of community and encourage more people to take up climbing.

CaVCA say their investment aligns with their mission to support community development and enhance the quality of life for residents in Scarborough and surrounding areas. By expanding the climbing facilities at The Street, CaVCA says it aims to promote physical activity, social interaction, and personal growth among community members.
 
Richard Grunwell, CaVCA’s Chair said ,

"We believe that investing in additional community facilities is crucial for the well-being of local people,"

"The climbing facility at The Street is a fantastic asset, and we are delighted to support its expansion. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the local climbing community in developing these plans over the past three years, and for the financial support we received to further develop climbing from both Sport England and the Shared Prosperity Fund (via North Yorkshire Sport).

This increased awareness and community led demand made the case our charity trustees needed to approve this investment.  We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the community."

Mel Bonney, CEO of CaVCA and a member of the local climbing community said

‘our experience in developing climbing at The Street has really heightened our awareness of the positive impact of climbing – our climbing community is diverse and inclusive, generous and welcoming. 

Climbing has many benefits over and above the obvious physical fitness, and its place in the Olympics creates a great opportunity to increase aspirations amongst local people.

The way the community has come together to make this happen is what CaVCA is all about, giving local people the power to make a difference.  We are so excited to launch this new facility and bring climbing to more people.’

The expanded climbing facilities, to be named Street Rocks, are expected to open late 2024 with a grand opening event to be announced in the coming months.