Huddersfield gets a new climbing facility this weekend when the Milnsbridge Climbing Boulder will be unveiled to the public at a special opening event.

Situated on Crow Lane Recreation Ground in Milnsbridge, the outdoor boulder is the only one of its kind in Kirklees and will be free for all to use. The recreation ground is conveniently situated on two bus routes, making it a real asset to the village and to young climbers who live nearby. The nearest similar boulders are sited across the border in Oldham and Rochdale, and there are a number in Sheffield, the climbers' Mecca.

The boulder is the culmination of more than three years’ planning by the Milnsbridge Enhancement Group [MEG], and the project was primarily funded by the Colne Valley Area Committee and SITA Trust, with additional grants from the By & Buy Community Shop and Kirklees Common Good Trust.

Designed and constructed by specialist manufacturers Bendcrete Leisure, the boulder is made from concrete sprayed onto a bespoke mesh-covered metal frame, with shapes and holds carved into the surface. Measuring approximately 10 metres in length by 3 metres width and 3 metres in height, it is designed to be durable and is of natural stone colour to fit in with the surrounding area.

Having previously secured funding for the improvement of the children’s playground in Crow Lane Recreation Ground, MEG felt that older children and teenagers were lacking in facilities in the area. When proposing the boulder project, the group found that the idea was received with enthusiasm by local Scout groups and high schools, indicating that the boulder will be well-used, attracting climbers to the village whilst also providing young people with a constructive outlet for their energies.

Installation is due to be completed during the half-term holiday and the grand opening event for the boulder takes place on Saturday 1 November from 2pm at Crow Lane Recreation Ground, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield HD3 4QT. With music, climbing instructors on hand for advice and climbing gear for sale, the event offers an ideal opportunity for keen climbers, beginners and the merely curious to come along and try out this new and unique facility.

For more information about this story or Milnsbridge Enhancement Group and its activities, please contact Alex Thompson or Dr Polly McGrail

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