Rumour has it that Dundee´s first dedicated indoor climbing centre is to open in the spring of 2002. A former Dundee city centre church is to be converted into a dedicated indoor climbing centre, the first of its kind in the city. Subject to planning and other approvals, the B´listed building in Blinshall Street, once occupied by the Episcopal congregation of theoriginal St Mary Magdalene´s Church in Dundee, is expected to be welcoming climbing enthusiasts from the city and much further afieldfrom Spring 2002. The climbing centre to be called Avertical World is the brainchild of Simon Jenkins (38), a well known professional mountain guide currentlybased in the Highlands. Jenkins has teamed up with Edinburgh-based businessman, Ian Richardson (42), to convert the interior of the churchinto a facility which will include extensive climbing walls, a café area and equipment sale and hire. Says Jenkins: “Indoor climbing is a rapidly growing sport and almost anyone can take part. Currently, locally based enthusiasts aretravelling over 100 miles to the central belt for facilities such as we are planning. We´re looking at a project costing around £250,000 andemploying up to a dozen full and part-time staff. The centre will cater for a wide range of levels and abilities in a safe and fun indoor environment. Experienced climbers will be able to hone their fitness and skill levels, while beginners upward can receive qualified tuition in this challenging and sociable activity to improvetheir strength, agility and general fitness. Adds Jenkins, Avertical World will be very accessible as it´s in the Hawkhill/Marketgait area of the city. There will be no membership feesand people can stay as long as they like during our planned 10am to 10pm opening hours. We are really excited about the prospect of bringing this facility to Dundee for existing climbers as well as introducing new people to thesport”says Jenkins. St Mary Magdalene´s Church Built in 1854, the original St Mary Magdalene´s church building was decommissioned as a place of worship a hundred years later and hassubsequently been mainly used for warehousing purposes. It has 660 square metres internal floor area and a 13 metre high timber scissor-brace roof, making it ideal for conversion into an indoor climbing centre.
![[VIDEO] Roland Hemetzberger in "Bügeleisen" (8b+)](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/vimeo_43307024-150x150.jpg)
