The founders of the Bouldover facility are packing up and moving out after their site at Silverlaw Industrial Estate was recently deemed unfit for purpose.
And the centre will close by the middle of January at the latest, after water coming from leaks in the roof started to land on and ruin the climbing equipment.
After an agreement in principal was made with the landlord, the roof was set to be repaired. But the discovery of asbestos put a spanner in the works as the price of repair was going to increase substantially.
So, the roof remains unfixed.
Established 18 months ago in April 2021, just as society began to open up following lockdown, Bouldover has gone on to amass over 250 active members, along with hundreds more ‘pay as you go’ customers, with visitors coming from all over Dumfries and Galloway, and beyond.
The company directors are now searching for a new base and are keen to hear about any potential premises in Annan.
However, they expect they will have to transfer operations to Dumfries, where there is a wider choice of units.
Sam Blyth, director and instructor, said: “When we moved here there were leaks in the building, but the roof was never fixed.
“Water started landing on the equipment and it’s come to the point where we have had to close off rope lines.
“They sent somebody who said the building is not fit for purpose anymore, and when we received a letter saying we had to vacate the premises there was no mention of the roof.
“Now we are looking at leaving and we are looking to move to Dumfries.
“Wherever we go it will be a big community that we are bringing in.
“We have to be out of here by January 15, we have already started taking things down, but we are keeping the bouldering section open as long as possible because when we close it then we will have to shut.”
A post on their social media has attracted hundreds of comments, including messages of support, offers of help to move equipment and hope that the company can find a new facility locally.
