Conlon Construction has been selected to develop an indoor climbing centre in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

'Summit Up' will cover more than 1,800 sqm in the town's centre, offering multiple climbing and retail facilities, and is expected to create 40 new jobs.

Lancashire-headquartered Conlon Construction has started work on the development which is due to open in summer 2021. Once complete, Summit Up will become one of the largest climbing centres in the UK and will feature Clip n Climb and the three disciplines of speed climbing, lead climbing and bouldering.

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee approved plans for the building in December 2019 after proposals by AEW Architects were put forward for 20,000 sq ft of split-level space consisting of an upper ground, mezzanine and lower ground, to complement the steep gradient of the site on Egerton Street. The project will be overseen by Dooley Associates.

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The external design of the futuristic building is inspired by the Peak District and local stone 'gritstone' in particular. Meanwhile, the internal fit-out – offering Clip n Climb, climbing and retail facilities, soft play, Valo Climb interactive climbing walls, a cafe and viewing areas, toilets and changing rooms, and staff amenities – will be delivered by Entre-Prises, pioneers of Clip n Climb.

Darren Lee, Commercial Director for Conlon Construction, said: "This is a landmark project in Oldham – from the unique design features through to the fact Summit Up will be run entirely for the benefit of local causes – and we are proud to be playing a part in it.

"It also marks our continued growing footprint across Greater Manchester, having truly established our network in the county over recent years. We have our sights set on numerous projects that would benefit from Conlon’s approach to modern developments and true social value and will be using our time in Oldham to prove our capabilities in the leisure sector.

"We look forward to working together with the wider project team and the local community to bring this stunning design to life."