UP CLOSE: With Substation Macclesfield as they ascend towards their fifth anniversary
By Bella Clayton
A Macclesfield indoor climbing business is to celebrate their fifth anniversary.
Substation Macclesfield is a 600sqm climbing wall, yoga studio and social hub located on Queens Avenue.
Beyond climbing, it is a community-driven business focused on health, serving vegetarian food and fun.
Founded in June 2018 to later open in November, Substation, keeping in with its engineering-based name, is a place to build bodies and minds.
The café and bar area seats around 40 people offering local, plastic-free drinks and fresh food.
Substation's co-founders Sam Gladman and Simon Stanway reflect on their success in recent years.
"It's more than just a climbing centre, we want to be a place to hang out, do events," said Simon.
"Climbing is very meditative, when you're on the wall you're not thinking about anything else.
"We like to think that no matter what age, shape or size you are there's something to offer here. Making climbing accessible and promoting how good it is for you is at the heart of why we set up the business."
Substation has something for everyone; there's regular yoga classes for all ages with ten separate instructors, including classes for pregnant women and new parents.
Recently, they have begun dance classes for young people too.
"There's a really nice crossover with yoga and climbing as well, obviously the flexibility and concentration," said Sam, who went to school in Macclesfield.
The climbing is bouldering orientated with beginner levels (V0-1) all the way up to V9 which is considered the expert professional level in the climbing community, meaning you could in theory train alongside an Olympian!
The 100 routes constantly change as the holds are screwed in and the levels are easy to understand with the colour scheme, meaning you can have a different climb each week.
You can check the level with a smartphone app that scans the routes as well as the demonstrative displays inside.
They also make a progressive route which can help you track progress and determine your skill level.
"We constantly strive to create an atmosphere amongst our staff and community that is welcoming and accepting of everybody," added Simon.
"Climbing is a very unique sport compared to something like football.
"You can be on the same wall as someone who has never climbed before, or who has years of expertise.
"Our Macclesfield centre is something quite special from other climbing walls.
"There's no outward sense of competitiveness [outside of competition events held there]. The sense of people looking out for one another is amazing.
"People are happy to help with any questions you have and offer advice planning routes or what level at which you are progressing."
Beginner classes are offered by the 18 friendly staff who work there, they can be private or groups of around six, in order to ease you in to your ascent.
Prices of sessions vary from £11 with various membership pathways and day passes available.
Both owners believe the best of their business is the "Macclesfield community" and that the climbing is "very accessible".
Particularly as it is one of few sports that the whole family can do together.
The pair admitted it hasn't felt like five years since the business began, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, looking forward to the next five years, Sam and Simon are planning to expand their horizons with new local partners such as running and cycling clubs.
This will be a full circle moment as their personal and professional relationship began with mountain biking, further demonstrating their expertise in the art of keeping active.
The Congleton residents chose to open in Macclesfield as the town was the perfect size for what they wanted to achieve.
As well an upcoming big birthday party for their half-decade as a business, they hold a regular calendar of events in the café such as film nights and pub quizzes and bookable kid's parties.
The café also has boardgames and a state-of-the-art sound system that plays a variety of music for you to enjoy locally-roasted coffee or beer with after a climb.
Substation prides itself on the enjoyment you can get out of sport.
"We know how good climbing is for you [sic] physically and mentally," Sam concluded.
"It is at the heart of what we do.
"We're very grateful for everyone involved in our business and love the rewarding aspect of being a part of seeing people leaving happy.
"The community developed here is something quite special - and along with the accessibility - is what sets us apart from other nearby climbing walls."
More information and booking can be located on the Substation website and Facebook page. You can give them a call on 01625 440144.
Substation Macclesfield is located on Queens Court, Queen's Avenue, Hurdsfield, Macclesfield SK10 2BN.
By Bella Clayton
See Also: Co-op funding will revamp garden to inspire children at Macclesfield pre-school
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