Press Release: Expression of Interest to Host GB Climbing in London

Consortium Led by Active Meanwhile Submits Expression of Interest to Host the GB Climbing Training Centre in London

Active Meanwhile, a charitable organisation promoting health and wellbeing through access to meanwhile and non-traditional spaces, has submitted an Expression of Interest to the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to host the GB Olympic and Paralympic Climbing Programme in London.

Submitted on behalf of a consortium of public and private sector partners including Hadley Property Group and Mono Loco, and supported by the London Borough of Hounslow and London Sport, the proposal sets out plans to establish the GB Climbing Training Centre at the former GlaxoSmithKline headquarters at 980 Great West Road (GWR) in Brentford.

The proposal envisions a world-class climbing facility that combines elite performance and community sport, offered rent-free to the BMC up to and including the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a view to continuing at a below-market rate thereafter.

Set against a dramatic backdrop of expansive 20m+ atriums and a striking commercial streetscape, the consortium’s vision is to create an environment that allows athletes to prepare for success on the world stage while also improving local health and participation in sport, as part of a wider regeneration of the area.

Through Active Meanwhile, the site aims not only to provide Olympic-standard lead, bouldering, and speed walls and the supporting space required to host the national climbing programme, but also to deliver a diverse programme of community and wellbeing activities from youth engagement and school partnerships to sports such as yoga, cycling, squash, padel, basketball, and martial arts. This multi-activity approach aligns with Sport England’s “Uniting the Movement” strategy and London Sport’s mission to make the capital the most active city in the world.

Andrew Link, Trustee of Active Meanwhile and Founder of Feat Factory, who coordinated the consortium, brings extensive experience in high-performance and youth sport. He previously helped establish the National Taekwondo Centre for GB Taekwondo in Manchester in 2007 and later served as Chair of Trustees for the National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes, an educational charity supporting participation and progression in climbing.

The Atrium at 980 GWR - Formerly the GSK Headquarters

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have access to such a remarkable space, a site originally designed for one of the world’s largest corporations now reimagined as a potential world-class home for climbing,” said Andrew Link.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unite elite performance, community sport, and urban regeneration in a way that benefits everyone. Our proposal offers not only a high-performance base for GB Climbing, but also a lasting social legacy for London, inspiring young people, tackling inactivity, and strengthening community connection.

The challenge of hosting any national squad, climbing or otherwise, is finding the right balance between elite performance space and commercial sustainability. Thanks to the scale of 980 GWR, and a forward-thinking landlord we can overcome those barriers to provide world-class facilities without compromise.

We know there will be operational and technical details to work through, and we’re ready to collaborate with the BMC and its partners to make this vision a reality. With the space, expertise, and resources of our growing consortium, we believe we can deliver something truly exceptional.”

The proposal’s potential landlord, Hadley Property Group, brings a strong track record in sustainable urban regeneration and is recognised among the top 5% of B Corporations globally for social and environmental performance. Mono Loco, specialists in community-oriented activity will lead the operational coordination of the climbing offer.

Located just 20 minutes from Heathrow and within easy reach of central London via rail, tube, and cycle routes, 980 GWR offers exceptional accessibility for domestic and international athletes, officials, and visitors.

If selected, the site will serve as a national hub for GB Climbing, a place where world-class performance, community engagement, and local wellbeing come together to create lasting impact beyond competition.

Contact

For further information please contact:

Andrew Link
Trustee, Active Meanwhile | Founder, Feat Factory
andrew.link@featfactory.com