270 Climbing Park in Gloucestershire has reached a major milestone, marking its first 12 months of trading following a £7 million investment in the development.
The family-run business is owned by twin brothers Robert and David Stevens, with private investors holding a 40 per cent stake. The project has been supported through the Enterprise Investment Scheme, allowing tax-efficient private investment, alongside a loan from the Gloucestershire Infrastructure Fund.
David Stevens said reaching the one-year mark was a significant achievement for the business. “The project has been a long-term investment in both the company and the local community, and we’re pleased with the level of early demand,” he said. “Our focus now is on optimising the business and developing 270 Climbing as a sustainable and versatile facility for the future.”
The development followed the sale of the brothers’ previous business, Paragon Laundry in Cheltenham, in 2015. Rather than moving into passive investment, the pair chose to reinvest in a large-scale leisure project, building on their experience of operating The Warehouse Climbing Centre since 1994.
Construction began in November 2021 and progressed through a challenging economic period marked by Covid disruption, rising material costs, higher interest rates and complex planning requirements. To manage risk, the six-acre site was delivered in phases, allowing parts of the venue to open from 2022 onwards.
Strong demand was evident with the launch of the bouldering centre in late 2024, which sold more than 700 memberships in its first month. Further phases expanded the business into coaching, youth programmes, events, competitions and food and drink.
The final phase was completed in July 2025 with the opening of an Olympic-standard climbing arena, enabling the site to host national and international competitions.