HSBC helps gets Swindon climbing centre off the ground

Rockstar Climbing Centre¸ which totals 7,000 sq ft and will house a number of state-of-the-art climbing walls, will be Swindon’s first purpose built climbing centre since the climbing walls at The Link Centre were removed.

Sarah Lucas, Area Director for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at HSBC, said: “HSBC is committed to helping British businesses realise their goals and Rockstar was no exception. The team is ambitious, innovative and has a great business model, as well as a vision to help people achieve better physical and mental fitness. By supporting this project HSBC is helping this vision become a reality.”

Mike Aston, owner of Rockstar Climbing Ltd, said: “I’ve done my personal banking with HSBC for a number of years so they were top of my list when I needed to get a commercial arrangement in place. Unlike other banks, they got to know my business and my requirements. They were incredibly proactive and they gave me the time I needed to consider my options.

“The funding has allowed us to build the centre to the highest specification and within a good time frame. We look forward to welcoming our first visitors in a few weeks’ time.”

The money provided by HSBC will help fund a state-of-the-art competition wall, slacklining, climbing equipment and clothing, a dedicated children’s area and an innovative touchscreen registration, insurance and payment system.

Swindon-based law firm Withy King advised Mr Aston on the lease of the new site which is situated at the IO Centre on Hobley Drive.

Greg Callard, a commercial property solicitor at the firm, said: “This has been an exciting project to be involved in, not least because a lot of work was required to transform the original industrial unit into a dynamic climbing centre. It’s a great addition to Swindon’s leisure scene and I’m sure it’ll be a huge hit when it opens in a few weeks.”