Proposals to change the climbing wall at Plymouth Life Centre into a soft play offer for children and families will not be progressing, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure have confirmed, following significant public feedback and intervention from political leaders in the city.
The decision comes after a strong response from residents, with hundreds of people sharing their views and expressing concern about the potential loss of the climbing facility. The Council says the scale and strength of feeling has been clear, therefore the proposed closure of Plymouth Active Climbing has been halted and the Council and PAL will take action to protect and support this vital community sporting facility.
Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Sport said: “We have heard the strength of feeling from our residents loud and clear. Hundreds of people have taken the time to share their views in our consultation, and we thank everyone who got involved.
“We are listening, and in light of that feedback, Plymouth Active Leisure will not be moving forward with these proposals.
“Instead, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure will work together to bring forward alternative plans to continue to improve the service offered to users of all our facilities. This includes engaging in conversation with regional and national climbing organisations to see what assistance they may be able to provide to improve the climbing experience at the Life Centre.
“Our ultimate goal is – and always has been – the financial viability of Plymouth Active Leisure. It is an organisation which we are proud of; one which provides so many different opportunities for Plymouth people between the Life Centre, Mount Wise Swimming Pools, Tinside Lido and Plympton Gym.
“However, the facilities offered can only thrive if they are supported by local people. Over the past 12 months, there have only been 208 regular members of the climbing wall, alongside around 500 additional users who registered on an ad hoc or one-off basis. However, operating costs continue to exceed income, with the gap increasing every year. The climbing wall currently loses around £100k per year.
“I would encourage people in Plymouth to vote with their feet and ensure that Plymouth Active Leisure’s facilities are financially viable, and available to local people for many years to come.”
Plymouth Active are committed to providing the best possible facilities for residents and have continued to demonstrate this since 2022, despite challenging conditions. Key developments include the delivery and activation of new spaces at Tinside, the HY‑NRG studio, and the new gym at the Life Centre, alongside a further upgrade at Plympton Gym completing this week. Investment has also continued in digital and customer services, with more improvements planned over the next 12 months to ensure the service continues to evolve.
Usage of facilities continues to grow year on year, with programmes expanding to meet the city’s needs and increase opportunities for leisure, health, wellbeing and sport. In the past year alone, this has generated over £9.5 million in social value. With an ambitious strategic plan endorsed by Plymouth City Council in February 2026, Plymouth Active is well placed to deliver its long-term vision for the city.
