News / Union Street
Former Wilko to be transformed into ‘state-of-the-art’ climbing centre
After closing its doors for good in October 2023, a former Wilko store in Bristol city centre is set to receive a new lease of life as an indoor climbing centre.
The former Wilko store on Union Street will be transformed into a climbing facility offering high-quality bouldering facilities, expert coaching, and a “dynamic social space designed to welcome climbers of all levels”.
The facility is expected to open in late summer 2025, and will be operated by the Liverpool-founded company, The Climbing Hangar.
Just a stone’s throw from the new skate park at the former Debenhams site in Broadmead, the climbing venue will span 25,000 square feet.
The former retail space will be transformed into a “state-of-the-art” climbing centre – photo: Hartnell Taylor Cook
The letting was secured by leading property consultancy Hartnell Taylor Cook, acting on behalf of landlord AEW, alongside joint agents Arc Retail.
The deal marks a milestone in The Climbing Hangar’s national expansion and further strengthens its presence in the region.
Founded in 2011 in a warehouse in Liverpool, The Climbing Hangar has grown to 12 venues across the UK, including state-of the-art centres in London, Swansea, Plymouth, Exeter and Edinburgh.
The former Wilko store on Union Street closed down its shutters for good in October 2023 – photo: Milan Perera
The upcoming Bristol facility is expected to further cement the city’s reputation as a hub for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Richard Saunders, partner at Hartnell Taylor Cook, said: “We are delighted to have secured The Climbing Hangar for this significant city-centre site.
“This deal reflects the ongoing shift in large retail spaces towards experience-led occupiers, and The Climbing Hangar will be a fantastic addition to Bristol, bringing fresh energy and activity to the area.”
At one stage there were plans to turn the former Wilko store into a “crazy golf-themed bar” – photo: Martin Booth
This is not the first attempt to repurpose the former retail site. In 2024, there were plans in the pipeline to convert the space into a “crazy golf-themed bar”.
Main photo: The Climbing Hanger
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