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Empty Aberdeen warehouse could become city’s first bouldering centre with climbing wall

Dundee-based Block10 Bouldering is looking to expand and open its second venue in the Granite City.

The Holland Street warehouse could become Aberdeen's first dedicated bouldering gym. Image: Roddie Reid/DC Thomson
The Holland Street warehouse could become Aberdeen's first dedicated bouldering gym. Image: Roddie Reid/DC Thomson

A Scottish bouldering firm is looking to expand by opening a dedicated climbing centre in Aberdeen – which would be the first of its kind in the city.

Dundee-based Block10 Bouldering wants to convert an empty warehouse into the sports venue.

It will allow visitors to climb without ropes or harnesses.

The warehouse, which was previously used as a storage archive for Aberdeen University for two decades, has been vacant for more than two years.

The climbing walls inside Block10 Bouldering’s Dundee gym. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Block10 Bouldering had looked at a number of properties in Altens and Cults too, but believed they were too far out of the city to be a success.

What will the bouldering gym look like?

The unit has a large open plan floor space which is ideal for the new fitness venue as it has plenty of room for climbing walls and padded crash mats.

Changing rooms, toilets and a reception area are included in the plans.

A small snack bar and shop on site will sell protein bars and refreshments for gym goers, while bouldering essentials will be on offer from shoes to chalk and chalk bags.

Artist impression of the Aberdeen bouldering gym. Image: Block10 Bouldering

The site’s “prime location” on Holland Street, just off Hutcheon Street, was praised for being close to the city centre and student accommodation.

Bouldering firm hopes to bring success to Aberdeen

Block10 Bouldering opened its first gym in Dundee last January.

Since then, the firm has climbed its way to success with around 40,000 visits in its first year.

Floor plans of the proposed bouldering gym. Image: Block10 Bouldering

Just what is bouldering?

Bouldering is an increasingly popular sport, thanks to its debut in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the GB climbing team achieved gold medal success at the Paris Olympics.


Are you looking forward to the Aberdeen centre opening up? Let us know in our comments section below


Firm owner Gavin Christie said he was “excited” about the prospect of opening the bouldering gym in Aberdeen.

“Our existing facility has been well received by the community in Dundee and we hope to offer a similar calibre of climbing to Aberdonians,” he added.


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