Urban climbing outfit secure first space in $750m Albion Exchange

The first landmark spot in stage one of a $750m development in Brisbane’s inner north retail precinct has been revealed, and the Australian-first installation is sure to create a major adrenaline rush.

Urban Climb has secured a major tenancy in the $750m Albion Exchange

A STATE-of-the-art urban climbing outfit has secured the first tenancy at the $750m Albion Exchange Project in Albion.

Geon Property announced leading indoor climbing operator Urban Climb will operate an Australian-first indoor sport climbing facility catering for everyone from age 3 to 70+.

The flagship facility will include a 15 metre high indoor climbing wall plus space for fitness classes, training and co-working spaces.

Geon Property senior development manager Tim Rossberg said with sight lines to the climbing walls from Lutwyche Road, Urban Climb would be a “new landmark for Albion, particularly when lit at night”.

He said the Urban Climb space was part of stage one of Albion Exchange which would also include residential apartments, retail space, more than 4900 sqm of new green space — open 24 hours a day for public use, and integration with the future North Brisbane Bikeway.

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Urban Climb is the first major tenant to announce securing a space at the $750m Albion Exchange development

Urban Climb is the first major tenant to announce securing a space at the $750m Albion Exchange development

Mr Rossberg said Urban Climb had been “very quick to stake their claim to be part of Albion Exchange”.

“Apart from the terrific location opportunity, Urban Climb recognised that at Albion Exchange we are working to provide facilities which help to build community and they are like-minded in their approach.

“During the design process, Urban Climb worked closely with Geon Property to shape a custom-built tenancy within the elevation of our western edge.

“It was comforting to have a tenant so passionate about their business and be so invested in the design-making process.”

Urban Climb CEO Alex Cox Taylor said the facility would give people the opportunity to climb before and after work as they passed through Albion on their way to or from work. Mr Cox Taylor said this was the first time that a purpose-built climbing facility had been fully integrated into a mixed-use development from the original concept design stage.

“We like to integrate climbing into people’s lives as a daily health and fitness activity. It’s certainly not something that you have to travel miles for once every few months.

“For us, climbing isn’t competitive. It’s not me versus you. It’s us versus the wall and that approach builds community.

“People come to Urban Climb for the social network and the community, as well as the skills and fitness which climbing develops.”

Mr Cox Taylor said the Urban Climb space at Albion Exchange was part of an increasing shift to create opportunities for people to “embed climbing into their daily routine”.

Urban Climb is the first major tenant to announce securing a space at the $750m Albion Exchange development

Urban Climb has secured a major tenancy in the $750m Albion Exchange

“Albion Exchange will be the very first in Australia to have a rope climbing venue like this truly embedded into the project.

“It’s great for climbers but it’s also a great aesthetic for the neighbourhood,” he said.

Mr Rossberg said the Albion Exchange precinct was a collaboration with Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“Albion Exchange will establish a new and vibrant heart for the Albion community, with multiple new public spaces, high-quality public transport and convenient retailing,” Mr Rossberg.

“Albion Exchange will change the face of Albion for the better. It will bring new life to land which is currently under-utilised and essentially blocking off vital east-west connections for

pedestrians and cyclists.”

Urban Climb Albion facts:

• Numerous climbing walls up to 15 metres wrapping the perimeter of the space

• Varying degrees of difficulty, catering for beginners through to elite climbers. Top rope, bouldering and lead climbing.

• Difficulty is achieved by varying the angle of the wall (overhanging, vertical, slab) and the positioning of climbing holds reflecting yellow (beginner) through to blue, purple, green, red and black (elite).