Last updated at 08:03, Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Maryport is set to become home to a new, family-friendly tourist attraction.

• VIDEO: Clip 'n Climb

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Clip ’n Climb, which will open in the town’s Wave Centre on May 6, is expected to attract around 20,000 visitors a year.

It will be only the second Clip ’n Climb in the country. The first centre, in Exeter, attracts 50,000 people a year.

Wave Centre bosses have a £40,000 marketing budget to encourage people to Maryport.

The themed climbing arena features different kinds of walls and an automatic system that pulls users up and down, via a rope system.

It is suitable for all ages, and wheelchair users can also experience some of the attraction.

It consists of 23 “modules”, each with around 11 separate activities.

One, for instance, involves straight climbing but on a wall of flowers.

There is another activity involving Morse Code and one where participants climb a large structure and then hurl themselves off to catch either a trapeze or a punch bag.

Martin Horne, of Carlisle Leisure Limited, which runs the centre, said the new attraction would not interfere with events or shows held at the Wave Centre.

He said: “We want to talk to all the regular users so that we can ensure from the outset that we are catering for everyone.

“Clip ’n Climb will be closed during performances.”

The price range for the arena will be age-dependant, costing between £4 and £12 for about 30 minutes preparation and an hour in the arena.

Mr Horne said that, once established, there would be consideration given to offering special prices at special times for people from the Maryport area.

He added: “We carried out a survey last year to find out what people wanted and most said they would like something for the young. This provides that.

“We also think the Wave Centre could run children’s birthday parties around it or it could be used by businesses for team building.”

The centre’s cafe menu is also to be completely changed and nine full-time jobs will be created because of the changes.

First published at 13:24, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk