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Report - - The Edge Climbing Centre, Sheffield - June 2014 | Leisure Sites | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - The Edge Climbing Centre, Sheffield - June 2014

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WildBoyz

Is this the future?
28DL Full Member
The Edge Climbing Centre first opened its doors in 1994. The centre, however, closed in May 2014, approximately 20 years on from when it initially opened. Although it is now likely to be regarded as a smaller climbing centre, as other much larger centres have opened in recent years, it did begin as one of the highest indoor climbing walls available at the time, offering a range of climbs that averaged at a height of approximately 13 metres; perfect for the fervent climber of Sheffield. The Edge Climbing Centre was, additionally, a founding member of the Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC), which was also founded in 1994. There are currently 80 listed members of the association, including The Edge, and a further twenty which are considered as ‘aspirant members’. The Edge was especially unique as it was one of very few climbing walls to feature two large articulating walls, with one of those capable of being orientated to an angle of 45 degrees. In 1998, following a change in ownership, the bouldering wall was also entirely rebuilt, doubling its original size. The centre offered a range of courses, including; birthday parties, regular children’s sessions, adult introduction courses and coaching sessions. Despite its somewhat dishevelled appearance, the centre remained reputable, and was well-known for having taught many people how to climb and understand the basic skills that are required for safe autonomous participation in the activity.

Sheffield is often celebrated as the ‘Climbing Capital’ of the UK due to its close proximity to the Peak District, which famously offers a mixture of gritstone and limestone rock, with each offering a wealth of ‘traditional’ and ‘sport’ climbing routes. Equally, it is also recognised for the diverse selection of indoor climbing facilities located across the city itself. Yet, admittedly, as many may hasten to add, this statement about the ‘Capital’ status is controversial, as there are many other superb places to climb throughout the UK, and the market has clearly become saturated in Sheffield; indicated by the fact that The Edge Climbing Centre has closed its doors.

After walking around aimlessly for a larger part of the day, we stumbled across The Edge Climbing Centre and an ideal opportunity to enter the premises presented itself. In an instant we were inside and able to stealthily explore the site and capture countless photographs. The lights were on within the building, yet, luckily for us, there seemed to be no one around. Although the main reception area and changing facilities appear to be remarkably dated and awfully decorated, the main wall and bouldering room are each especially spectacular and one can’t help but feel a little taken aback, even disconcerted, at the desertion of something so immensely imposing and dramatic – particularly when stood beneath the large overhanging walls that transcend across the ceiling.

1: The Edge Climbing Centre Main Hall

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2: Main Hall

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3: Overhanging Walls

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4: Rooftop Overhanging Walls

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5: Looking Up the Tower

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6: Grading Board for Articulating Walls

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7: From the Articulating Slab

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8: Ground Shot of the Tower

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9: Bouldering Room - End of the Room

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10: Bouldering Room - Front of the Room

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11: Training/Warm Up Corridor

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12: The Edge Climbing Centre Display Signs

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13: The Edge Climbing Centre Fabric Sew-On Badge

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14: Main Reception and Cafe Area

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15: Large Climbing Picture

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16: Climbing Harness

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17: Stairs to Toilets/Changing Rooms

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18: Master Locker Key in Lockers

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19: Male Changing Room

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20: Storage Cupboard - Leftover Climbing Holds

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21: Upstairs Office

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pirate

Rum Swigger
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Nice.....most unbusy climbing wall ever,tempted to go there just to have it all to myself
 

The Lone Ranger

Safety is paramount!
Staff member
Moderator
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Nicely captured :thumb

I spent many a happy hour here in the 90's, there weren't too many big indoor walls to climb on in winter so the 1 hour drive still made it one of the closer walls back then.
 

WildBoyz

Is this the future?
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Nicely captured :thumb

I spent many a happy hour here in the 90's, there weren't too many big indoor walls to climb on in winter so the 1 hour drive still made it one of the closer walls back then.

Cheers man.

I knew it was quite an old wall (one of the first larger ones to emerge). Cool to see that people travelled in quite far to get a climb in. Very silent in there now though.
 

MMU

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

I have heard that this might be opening again soon.
 

WildBoyz

Is this the future?
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

I have heard that this might be opening again soon.

Awesome! Seems a shame to waste such a place. It could be reopened tomorrow to be honest, if someone put a bit of money into it. Is there any info on the place you've found?
 

MMU

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Just an overheard rumor really, but yeah it was always pretty busy whenever I was going by right up until it closed.
 

unplugged

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Looks good.

Never made it here which is a shame. I think I did the Foundry last time I was in Sheffield.
 

WildBoyz

Is this the future?
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Looks good.

Never made it here which is a shame. I think I did the Foundry last time I was in Sheffield.

The Foundry is a popular wall. I think another one has opened in Sheffield recently too.
 

A-C-P

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Wow, I used to go here as a youngster. It's a shame to see it like that but really interesting to see it now. Thanks for sharing!
 

WildBoyz

Is this the future?
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

Wow, I used to go here as a youngster. It's a shame to see it like that but really interesting to see it now. Thanks for sharing!

No worries dude.
 

Telf360x

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

to many people like boldering now, so the works and foundry are always busy
 

unplugged

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

It was the last time I was there.

The Works is bouldering only from memory.
 

Telf360x

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: The Edge Climbing Centre - Sheffield - June 2014

thats the one, my bad, i know people seem to be keen on bouldering these days rather the climbing, oh well
 
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