Colchester residents will soon be able to enjoy one of Clip ’n Climb’s newest and most advanced centres, as the popular indoor climbing attraction prepares to open at Colchester Leisure Park. Aiming to open in April, the new venue will offer residents and visitors a lively, inclusive and active space for families, young people and adults alike.
What the new facility will offer
The new site will showcase several of Clip ’n Climb’s latest climbing innovations, including two of their newest features, Crunched and Artifact. With its soft and squishy PVC-covered foam holds, Crunched is a visually striking, colour layered climb designed to challenge balance and coordination. Climbers are required to take on new climbing techniques such as ‘bridging’ to reach the top. With a geometric, pixelated appearance, Artifact offers a unique climbing experience with four climbing lines of varying difficulties. The free-standing tower is constructed from the same recurring module, stacked and rotated 90 degrees to give its ‘blocky’ image. The centre will also include a high energy speed challenge wall, inviting climbers to test themselves against the clock in a fast, competitive ascent.
These new walls will sit alongside a colourful, modern climbing environment suited to all ages and abilities, making it an ideal destination for families seeking something active to enjoy together or for individuals looking for a new indoor challenge.
Play Den for toddlers and younger children
Colchester will also be one of only three locations in the UK to feature Play Den, Clip ’n Climb’s newest destination softplay experience. Designed as a standalone attraction, Play Den includes a dedicated toddler zone for ages 0–3 and a separate space for children aged 3 and above.
Alongside this, the centre will offer Mini Mountaineer sessions, which take place on the climbing walls and introduce children as young as two to early climbing skills in a gentle, confidence‑building way.
A flexible party and activity room will also be available for birthday parties and family‑friendly sessions.
New jobs, greater access, and a stronger leisure offer
The arrival of Clip ’n Climb further strengthens Northern Gateway’s growing reputation as a leading leisure destination, alongside the recently confirmed 700‑seat, nine‑screen Vue cinema due to open around the same time. With its position beside the A12, the site offers excellent access for residents across Colchester and convenient links for visitors travelling from Ipswich, Chelmsford, Tendring and the wider region. The centre supports a shared ambition between Clip ’n Climb’s operators and Colchester City Council to broaden access to active, health boosting experiences in the city.
As well as climbing and softplay, the venue will host child friendly wellbeing sessions such as baby yoga, along with small scale community activities that support families and early years development. These sessions will take place in the new activity room and form part of the centre’s commitment to ensuring local families have accessible opportunities to stay active, social and engaged.
The development will also create between 25 and 30 jobs for local people, including six full‑time posts and further senior roles as the business becomes established.
Cllr Mark Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets at Colchester City Council, said: “Clip ’n Climb signing up to Northern Gateway is great news. They offer a fun and alternative range of activities for Colchester residents and visitors to enjoy, and personally I can’t wait to give it a go. Clip ’n Climb brings a bit of thrill‑seeking alongside good exercise, and it’s fun for all the family. With Vue now fitting out their new cinema and Clip ’n Climb coming soon to join our great range of existing tenants, Northern Gateway is becoming the destination we always wanted it to be, adding something extra for residents and visitors to enjoy. The growing number of venues also brings more jobs into our local economy. Look out for the opening dates coming soon.”
Joe Moore, Owner and Operational Director of Clip ’n Climb Colchester, said:
“We’re thrilled to be opening one of Clip ’n Climb’s latest centres here in Colchester. Northern Gateway is the perfect location, with excellent access for families across the region. We’re excited to introduce our newest climbing walls, the Play Den softplay area and a programme of activities that offer something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome residents when we open in April.”