A BRAND new activity centre is due to come to Reading, plus a whole lot more.
The Climbing Hanger is due to open on Stadium Way with a number of new fitness and leisure activities.
It feature an indoor bouldering wall for budding and seasoned climbers, as part of the company’s aim to bring indoor climbing to a mainstream audience.
As well as the climbing wall, it will also include a fully equipped gym with weekly classes and events such as socials, screenings, challenges and competitions.
There will also be a cafe and restaurant serving gourmet coffee and freshly-made pizzas.
Hangar CEO Ged Mac explained that climbing is akin to “golf or dancing, where skill matters more than strength.
“Indoor climbing is all about body positioning and technique, you don’t need to be strong to start, although climbing does make you stronger.
“Place your hips in the right spot and you can literally defy gravity– it feels like magic and once you experience it, you’re hooked.”
He says that it is also a great activity for children, as it “promotes resilience and mindset alongside fundamental movement skills.
“And it’s just as good for parents like me too.”
Former bouldering world champion and Hangar ambassador Shauna Coxsey has trained in the
company’s gyms for a decade and says:“Growing up as an aspiring athlete, I dragged my family to climbing centres all over the world.
“In those days quality coffee and fresh food weren’t always on the menu– Ged and the Hangar team
care deeply about the experience of everyone who comes through the door.
“And if my family, as onlookers, are happy, then I’m happy too.”
The gym will also focus on building communities, including sessions run by women for women such as its Hangar Women Rock climbing events.
Ms Coxsey said: “The climbing at the Hangar is so much fun, especially for beginners, but thanks to the restaurant and coffee shop you don’t need to climb to have a memorable time.
“The team work hard to make everyone feel welcome.”
Mr Mac explained: “A lot of us will be feeling the pinch after Christmas and might even need to make some tough choices on how we spend our funds.
“I don’t want anyone to have to choose between a working out or hanging out, with family and friends.
Don’t choose when you can do it all under one roof.”
The Climbing Hangar is offering a pre-launch exclusive membership for £14.99, which buys a month of unlimited climbing and early access to the venue for its VIP opening weekend which begins on Friday, January 27.
VIP signup closes on January 27, available via: theclimbinghangar.com/reading.
The Climbing Hangar opens officially on Monday, January 30.
