Concept sketch by David Le Lay Architects.


Mike has given his support to plans to build the south of England’s highest climbing wall in Portslade.

The three-storey former Flexer Sacks factory in Portslade has been picked as the potential venue for a multi-sport development incorporating climbing, skiing, snowboarding and a 24 hour gym. A planning application is due to be considered shortly by Brighton & Hove City Council (BH2010/03540) and residents are urged to have their say.

The two local social entrepreneurs behind the Brighton Climbing Centre, Sean Field & Cassandra Hoffman-Kazlauskas, have been looking for a suitable building to house their project for the last four years and now look forward to working closely with the site owners to realise the scheme.

The disused factory has stood empty for 10 years and now offers a fantastic opportunity for Brighton Climbing Centre to create a centre of excellence. The site offers 16m of usable height and over 2,500m² of floor space. With excellent transport links, good parking provision, and a prominent seafront location, the venue will serve as a vibrant gateway development on the western approach to Brighton & Hove.

The proposed climbing centre offers over 80 lines of roped climbing, ranging from 10m to 16m high, making it the highest climbing centre south of Liverpool. It can be used for national and international climbing and bouldering competitions. Alongside the climbing wall, there will be ski slopes and a 24,000 sq ft 24-hour gym.

Mike said, “I welcome these plans for new sporting facilities in my constituency wholeheartedly. The proposed climbing facilities are truly spectacular but, as a former ski instructor myself, I am particularly taken by the idea that skiing will now be possible in Portslade.”

Brighton Climbing Centre has received letters and emails of support from over 300 sources including schools, local NHS services, the fire service, local charities, universities, the climbing community and local residents.

See Brighton Climbing Centre for further details.