Gantry Climbing, a new non-profit Community Interest Company founded by Bermondsey-based climber Andy Savage, opens its doors to the public today (Thursday 22 October), bringing a new space for climbing and community to Surrey Quays.
Located at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, a short walk from Canada Water station, Gantry has transformed the former Arch Climbing Wall site into a welcoming centre for everyone from complete beginners to experienced climbers.
The opening follows a soft launch last night (Wednesday 21 October), which welcomed more than 50 guests, including local businesses, climbers, content creators and journalists, who got a first look at the centre and were among the first to climb on the new walls.
Gantry features a main wall, an island, slab walls, a feature arch and a training board, plus a dedicated kids’ climbing area. Climbing shoes and chalk are available to hire, so there’s no need for any kit to get started.
Andy previously climbed at the site himself and, following its closure, saw an opportunity to bring climbing back to Surrey Quays while creating something of his own: a non-profit centre with community at its heart.
Andy Savage, founder of Gantry Climbing, said:
“Last night was incredible. More than 50 people came through the doors, from old faces at The Arch to local businesses, creators and journalists. Watching them climb on the walls we’ve spent months working towards was a really emotional moment for the whole team.
“So much hard work has gone into getting here, and to see it all come to life, with the place buzzing with climbers again, made every late night worth it.
“Today is when it really begins though. Gantry has always been about more than just reopening a climbing wall. We want it to belong to the community. Whether you climbed here for years, have always fancied giving it a go, or just live locally and are curious, come down and say hello. You don’t need any experience or your own kit. We’ll sort you out with shoes and chalk and show you the ropes.”
Temporary opening hours
Gantry is opening with temporary hours, which will run until Monday 2 November:
Monday to Friday: 2pm to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 4pm
Full opening hours will be announced on the Gantry website and social channels.
Founding member offer
To celebrate the opening, the first 50 members to join will receive 30% off their monthly membership for life, as long as their membership continues to be renewed. Memberships can be paused as normal. The offer is available now to walk-in visitors at the centre and will be available online at gantryclimbing.com in the coming days.
Day passes cost £14 for adults, £12 for concessions and £9 for children. For regular visitors, 10 Punch Passes are available at £115 for adults, £100 for concessions and £75 for children.
Monthly direct debit memberships cost £65 for adults, £55 for concessions and £40 for children. With the founding member discount, these prices reduce to £45.50, £38.50 and £28 per month respectively.
As a Community Interest Company, Gantry is building links with local schools, families, youth groups and community organisations to help more people in the area access climbing.
Gareth Roberts, Head of Canada Water at British Land, said:
“Indoor sports and leisure activities are an important part of creating a lively, inclusive place, giving people opportunities to get active, connect with others and enjoy sport all year round, whatever the weather. We’re really pleased to see climbing returning to Surrey Quays, particularly with such a strong focus on making it accessible to the local community. It feels especially fitting that someone local, with Andy’s passion for climbing and personal connection to the centre, has picked up the mantle and is bringing it back to life.”
