Parthian Climbing summits Southside for London's first Olympic-standard climbing experience
Parthian Climbing, the community-focused indoor climbing concept, is to open a 25,000 sq ft state-of-the-art climbing experience at Landsec and Invesco’s Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth. The launch of Parthian Climbing Southside this summer will herald an expansion programme for the brand as it seeks to open in select sites around the country.
Founded in 2004 by climber John Dunne, Parthian Climbing is a high-quality provider of climbing instruction and coaching. Parthian Climbing Southside will be the first indoor climbing facility in the UK to include an exact replica of “The Titan”, the bouldering wall which will feature at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The space will also include a 2,000 sq ft café, bar and co-working space taking advantage of the extensive views at the venue. The 60-cover café will have a light menu available throughout the day. Completing the offer will be a strength and conditioning gym, and a specialist climbing retail offer.
Working in collaboration with Olympic climbing wall supplier, EP Climbing, the leading edge wall is set to attract professional athletes worldwide as a training tool in the run-up to the Olympics. In addition, the bouldering, auto-belays, and roped climbing (both top rope and lead) will appeal to all levels, from families to climbing enthusiasts. Southside joins Parthian Climbing’s existing sites in Manchester, Reading, Harrogate and Southampton.
CEO of Parthian Climbing, John Dunne, commented: “Parthian Climbing Southside is going to be a unique experience. Our relationship with EP Climbing has enabled us to create a new concept that will appeal to all levels and abilities, with The Titan putting us on the map as a global climbing attraction while also embedding Parthian Climbing in the local community. Landsec has been a great partner too, working with us to understand our concept and then deliver the ideal space. This is a key moment for Parthian Climbing and the whole team is committed to creating something exceptional.”
Mike Dawe, Managing Director of EP Climbing UK, added: “Parthian Climbing Southside is an amazing project that has pushed to new heights what is possible in indoor climbing. Re-creating The Titan is a milestone, and we are confident it will boost Britain’s hopes of climbing medals in Paris next year, while also delivering a real legacy piece for the community.”
Mark Warne, Brand Director for F&B and Leisure at Landsec, said: “With guests increasingly looking to experience something new, a strong leisure offering is essential for any successful retail destination.
“Gravity has performed ahead of expectations since opening at Southside two years ago, and has driven demand amongst our guests for more unique experiences. We’re always on the lookout for innovative concepts which can add to the already strong line up at Southside, so we’re excited to work in partnership with Parthian Climbing as they build on their success and open their first location in London.”
Parthian Climbing is the latest in a series of innovative experiences introduced by Landsec across its portfolio, following the launch of Gravity’s 80,000 sq ft leisure experience at Southside, Hangloose, the UK’s fastest zipwire at Bluewater, and, more recently, F1 Arcade, a racing-themed experience at One New Change in St Paul’s.
Stárka Property acted for Parthian Climbing and Colliers represented Landsec.