The Arc Jam – launch event

Celebrate the opening of The Arc with CANVAS,  CBLC and us from 12-3pm on Sat 9 April at The Arc Jam – a free event, open to all.

The “Arc Jam” will include: –

• demonstrations by professional skateboarders
• skatepark competitions with prizes
• photos and video opportunities to show off your skills in the bowl
• climbing demonstrations on the outside wall

The Skatepark

CANVAS

The skatepark was designed and built by Bristol Skatepark design specialists, CANVAS, who will be hosting the range of activities around The Arc skatepark on the 9th.

Skate competitions

The skatepark competitions will be split up into different categories depending on those in attendance on the day. These will be carried out in an ‘informal jam format’ to ensure that the day is inclusive to all ages and abilities. Prizes awarded to those e.g. who are doing impressive tricks, having the most fun, showing the most progression etc. Skateboards, bike and scooters welcome.

The Climbing centre

To let visitors see what roped climbing entails, we will have demonstration climbers on our outside wall from 12-3pm. The outside wall will be closed to the public for this period, but the rest of the climbing centre and café will be open as normal, so you can still come and boulder or roped climb inside as normal.

Special guest

British Climber Kenton Cool

Legendary British climber, Kenton Cool, will also be attending the event to cut the ribbon for our formal opening. In May this year he is attempting to summit Everest for a record-breaking 16th attempt. He was the first man to climb Nuptse, Everest and Lhotse in a climbing season.  A great opportunity to see and meet one of Britain’s most high-profile and celebrated climbers.

Background

The Arc was built by CBLC and is run by TCA. This brand new purpose-built centre offers bouldering, roped climbing, a café and the free skatepark overlooking Westmead playing field.

The Arc is a safe and supportive space for families, individuals and youth or community groups. You can start bouldering anytime without doing a course, but the centre offers taster sessions and beginners roped courses for newcomers, as well as skills coaching.

Accessible to all

Climbing is a welcoming sport that is accessible to all shapes, sizes and ages. You can boulder from any age and over 70s climb for free at all TCA centres. The centre is fully accessible with free on-site parking for disabled customers. The sport, which featured in the recent summer Olympics for the first time, has proven benefits to both physical and mental health. Providing active movement, from energetic overhangs at height to balanced slab traverses only centimetres off a mat. It helps participants to improve confidence and focus.

Project partners

The Climbing Academy (TCA)

TCA opened its first centre in Bristol in 2008. The Arc is TCA’s 3rd centre in the south west of England and 5th centre in total, with 2 in Glasgow.

Chippenham Borough Lands Charity (CBLC)

We are a grant giving organisation that supports local residents in welfare, education, arts and community projects. The Arc facility has been funded by our charity with support of a £100,000 grant from Sports England towards the climbing centre and a £200,000 grant from Wiltshire Council towards the skatepark.

VISITING If you are visiting us public parking is on Wood Lane and Gladstone Road. There is some disabled parking on site which can be accessed via a buzzer at the barrier. We have plenty of bike-parking and are only a short walk from Chippenham's bus or train station.