AN ambitious redevelopment programme at Harlow Outdoor Centre’s Climbing Wall is due to start shortly, which will see it transformed into a premier all-year-round facility for experienced climbers and those just taking up the sport.

To facilitate the improvements three of the wall’s large climbing faces will close on 2 December for three weeks. The smallest face and bouldering facility will remain open to the public and regular groups at a reduced price.

The redeveloped wall will re-open on 23 December.

Customer feedback gathered from regular and occasional climbers convinced the Harlow Climbing Wall team that the attraction should evolve into a fully heated all-year-round visitor attraction.

Its 14m walls, accommodating 100 climbing ‘lines’, are to be fully redecorated and new routes set to improve the climbing surface and overall appearance of the climbing centre. Harlow prides itself on providing accessible climbing to all families, members of the public, schools, youth groups, corporate and special needs.

To encourage visitors to make the most of the facility, more courses and coaching will be available for individuals and groups, including bouldering or lead climbing for novice or experienced climbers.

A programme of trips will be available for people looking to take their rock-climbing outside.

County Councillor John Jowers, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Communities & Planning, said: “Climbing is for everyone not just experienced climbers – and we’ll be able to cater fully for all of our visitors at what is going to become one of the best-equipped climbing centres in the region.”