June 22, 2021 - 1801 views
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 visit, Andy and Emma-Jane Sutcliffe spoke of their six-year journey which culminated in the opening of The Boathouse Climbing Centre in Llandudno.
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, towards the end of February 2020.
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, Mrs. Finch-Saunders 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.”
