Situated in the old RNLI Boathouse, two lifelong adventure fans are offering a welcoming space for both the local community and visiting holidaymakers. Speaking to Janet Finch-Saunders MS during a recent Covid-safe visit, Andy and Emma-Jane Sutcliffe spoke of their six-year journey which culminated in the opening of The Boathouse Climbing Centre.
Building work first began in November 2018, to transform the historic station into a new climbing centre, with their soft opening launch occurring around four months later, on Monday 25 February 2019. Visitors to the venue will note how the choice of design and colour schemes fits in with its storied past, with the owners choosing to reuse furniture and leaving some of the original features in place.
Speaking after the visit, Janet said:
“The Boathouse Climbing Centre is an extraordinary and innovative piece of renovation work, with the hard work and dedication of Andy and Emma going some way to boost North Wales’ offer as the adventure capital of Wales. To offer such a welcoming and safe space to new climbers is no mean feat, and so I wish to congratulate the Sutcliffes on their reopening.
“With climbing to be included in the Olympics for the first time this summer, when the games will be held in Tokyo, the draw of this sport is only likely to increase and so having this brilliant venue – with its unique mixture of caves and jumps – at the beating heart of Llandudno will be a real draw to visitors.
“Having held conversations with a number of our adventure sporting companies, including The boathouse Climbing Centre, I do recognise that concerns remain about the present restrictions in place. I shall continue to make representations to the necessary authorities so that the adventure sporting sector is better supported in its recovery and reopening.”
The trip was the part of Janet’s most recent business tour of Llandudno as the Member looks to support and celebrate local entrepreneurial talent as the region recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Andy has spent many years developing his skills and knowledge within the outdoor sector working for different companies across the UK in various roles. The past 17 years have been based in North Wales working with lots of Outdoor Centres, as well as having his own Adventure Activities License. 8 of these years have been spent as the Climbing Coordinator for Conwy County Borough Council and the last 2 years saw him holding his own lease to run the climbing wall at Llandudno Junction Leisure Centre aptly renamed JunctionWall.
- Emma-Jane comes from a community and educational background and has been seen in many local communities and schools facilitating dance and arts projects within the Conwy area since 2002.
- More information can be found by clicking here.
