The Edge Climbing Centre first opened its doors in 1994. The centre, however, closed in May 2014, approximately 20 years on from when it initially opened. Although it is now likely to be regarded as a smaller climbing centre, as other much larger centres have opened in recent years, it did begin as one of the highest indoor climbing walls available at the time, offering a range of climbs that averaged at a height of approximately 13 metres; perfect for the fervent climber of Sheffield. The Edge Climbing Centre was, additionally, a founding member of the Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC), which was also founded in 1994. There are currently 80 listed members of the association, including The Edge, and a further twenty which are considered as ‘aspirant members’. The Edge was especially unique as it was one of very few climbing walls to feature two large articulating walls, with one of those capable of being orientated to an angle of 45 degrees. In 1998, following a change in ownership, the bouldering wall was also entirely rebuilt, doubling its original size. The centre offered a range of courses, including; birthday parties, regular children’s sessions, adult introduction courses and coaching sessions. Despite its somewhat dishevelled appearance, the centre remained reputable, and was well-known for having taught many people how to climb and understand the basic skills that are required for safe autonomous participation in the activity.
Sheffield is often celebrated as the ‘Climbing Capital’ of the UK due to its close proximity to the Peak District, which famously offers a mixture of gritstone and limestone rock, with each offering a wealth of ‘traditional’ and ‘sport’ climbing routes. Equally, it is also recognised for the diverse selection of indoor climbing facilities located across the city itself. Yet, admittedly, as many may hasten to add, this statement about the ‘Capital’ status is controversial, as there are many other superb places to climb throughout the UK, and the market has clearly become saturated in Sheffield; indicated by the fact that The Edge Climbing Centre has closed its doors.
After walking around aimlessly for a larger part of the day, we stumbled across The Edge Climbing Centre and an ideal opportunity to enter the premises presented itself. In an instant we were inside and able to stealthily explore the site and capture countless photographs. The lights were on within the building, yet, luckily for us, there seemed to be no one around. Although the main reception area and changing facilities appear to be remarkably dated and awfully decorated, the main wall and bouldering room are each especially spectacular and one can’t help but feel a little taken aback, even disconcerted, at the desertion of something so immensely imposing and dramatic – particularly when stood beneath the large overhanging walls that transcend across the ceiling.
1: The Edge Climbing Centre Main Hall
2: Main Hall
3: Overhanging Walls
4: Rooftop Overhanging Walls
5: Looking Up the Tower
6: Grading Board for Articulating Walls
7: From the Articulating Slab
8: Ground Shot of the Tower
9: Bouldering Room - End of the Room
10: Bouldering Room - Front of the Room
11: Training/Warm Up Corridor
12: The Edge Climbing Centre Display Signs
13: The Edge Climbing Centre Fabric Sew-On Badge
14: Main Reception and Cafe Area
15: Large Climbing Picture
16: Climbing Harness
17: Stairs to Toilets/Changing Rooms
18: Master Locker Key in Lockers
19: Male Changing Room
20: Storage Cupboard - Leftover Climbing Holds
21: Upstairs Office
Sheffield is often celebrated as the ‘Climbing Capital’ of the UK due to its close proximity to the Peak District, which famously offers a mixture of gritstone and limestone rock, with each offering a wealth of ‘traditional’ and ‘sport’ climbing routes. Equally, it is also recognised for the diverse selection of indoor climbing facilities located across the city itself. Yet, admittedly, as many may hasten to add, this statement about the ‘Capital’ status is controversial, as there are many other superb places to climb throughout the UK, and the market has clearly become saturated in Sheffield; indicated by the fact that The Edge Climbing Centre has closed its doors.
After walking around aimlessly for a larger part of the day, we stumbled across The Edge Climbing Centre and an ideal opportunity to enter the premises presented itself. In an instant we were inside and able to stealthily explore the site and capture countless photographs. The lights were on within the building, yet, luckily for us, there seemed to be no one around. Although the main reception area and changing facilities appear to be remarkably dated and awfully decorated, the main wall and bouldering room are each especially spectacular and one can’t help but feel a little taken aback, even disconcerted, at the desertion of something so immensely imposing and dramatic – particularly when stood beneath the large overhanging walls that transcend across the ceiling.
1: The Edge Climbing Centre Main Hall
2: Main Hall
3: Overhanging Walls
4: Rooftop Overhanging Walls
5: Looking Up the Tower
6: Grading Board for Articulating Walls
7: From the Articulating Slab
8: Ground Shot of the Tower
9: Bouldering Room - End of the Room
10: Bouldering Room - Front of the Room
11: Training/Warm Up Corridor
12: The Edge Climbing Centre Display Signs
13: The Edge Climbing Centre Fabric Sew-On Badge
14: Main Reception and Cafe Area
15: Large Climbing Picture
16: Climbing Harness
17: Stairs to Toilets/Changing Rooms
18: Master Locker Key in Lockers
19: Male Changing Room
20: Storage Cupboard - Leftover Climbing Holds
21: Upstairs Office
