Oldham

Summit Up: The new purpose-built climbing centre opening in Oldham next week

Summit Up aims to be a space that inspires and motivates people of all ages and abilities to be active and ambitious.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th September 2021

A brand-new climbing centre that’s set to be an “inclusive experience” for all is the latest addition to the region.

Summit Up will be opening its doors in Oldham next weekend.

Aiming to be a space that inspires and motivates people of all ages and abilities to be active and ambitious, the new 1,850m² purpose-built centre in the heart of the borough’s town centre will house an array of climbing facilities that give everyone the chance to safely push their limits, try something new, and most importantly, have a bit of fun while doing it.

Set to be one of the most exciting facilities of its kind in Greater Manchester, Summit Up will be accessible for all the family – from complete novices, right through to seasoned climbers.

Climbing enthusiasts, schools, youth groups, corporate businesses, and more can get involved.

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When it comes to the facilities on offer at the new Oldham centre, the star of the show will undoubtedly be the ‘Clip ‘n Climb’ –  a “fun climbing” concept that Summit Up wants to bring to the local community.

Designed by Entre-prises UK – the sole supplier of climbing walls for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – the unique Clip ‘n Climb concept is on offer at several outdoor activity centres all across the globe, but the Clip ‘n Climb at Summit Up in Oldham will actually be one of the highest and largest in the UK.

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This means that visitors will be able to experience world-class walls as climbed by some of the best competitive climbers on earth.

Summit Up will be accessible for all the family, from complete novices, right through seasoned climbers / Credit: Summit Up

Clip ‘n Climb Oldham will feature 25 challenges, including the adrenaline-pumping ‘Leap of Faith’, the popular ‘Stairway to Heaven’, and a thrilling 10-metre ‘Vertical Drop Slide’, as well as two ValoClimb walls – which use world-first interactive gaming technology and are designed to boost fitness while offering a challenging alternative to traditional climbing. 

Summit Up arrives in Oldham ready to capture the excitement and enthusiasm that’s in the air after Sport Climbing was featured in the Olympic Games for the first time ever at Tokyo 2020, with all three Olympic disciplines of lead climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing on offer at the new centre.

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It will be the only centre in Greater Manchester with an official speed climbing facility too.

And if all of that wasn’t as exciting enough as it is, the centre will also have a soft play area, dedicated party rooms, retail merchandise, and a ‘South Ridge’ cafe to stop off at for some well-deserved refreshments after a day of climbing.

Summit Up’s arrival in Oldham wouldn’t be possible without the help of The Stoller Charitable Trust – which is funding the building of the centre to “leave a lasting legacy” for the next generation of the Oldham community. 

The centre will also have a soft play area, dedicated party rooms, and a ‘South Ridge’ cafe / Credit: Summit Up

Oldham-born businessman Sir Norman Stoller founded the Trust in the 1980’s, and has since gone on to donate millions of pounds to worthy causes – particularly supporting disadvantaged children from the Oldham area.

“Climbing is very popular at present and we expect to attract up to 90,000 visitors a year,” explained Stephen Lowe, Manager of The Stoller Charitable Trust.

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“The centre will be a huge boost to the area as all of the profits generated will be used for charitable causes that support the young people of Oldham.

“The purpose [of the Trust] has been to provide opportunities to raise aspirations, support Oldham’s young people to reach the height of their ability, and provide a helping hand when it is most needed.”

He added: “It is our hope that Summit Up will connect the community and create a lasting social venue in Oldham.”

Summit Up aims to be a space that inspires and motivates people of all ages and abilities to be active and ambitious / Credit: Summit Up

Summit Up is opening to the public on Saturday 18 September 2021.

The booking system is now live, so if you fancy being one of the first to experience Oldham’s new climbing centre and all it has to offer, head on over to the Summit Up website here to secure your slot.

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You can also follow Summit Up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ahead of its grand opening.

Featured Image – Summit Up

Oldham

Police shut down suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Police have shut down what they believe to have been a brothel in Oldham during the early hours of this morning.

Following concerns raised by the local community and years of gathering intelligence, officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Oldham Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant at a premises on Broadway in Oldham earlier this morning (14 October 2026), as they believed it to be operating as a brothel.

The warrant was executed as a result of the unrelated arrest of a man believed to be connected to the business.

When police seized a mobile phone from the man, examination of the device uncovered evidence which provided them with grounds to suspect the premises was being used for the control of prostitution.

During the operation this morning, a woman in her 40s was found and spoken to by officers. Once safeguarding measures were put in place by GMP, she was subsequently arrested on suspicion of immigration-related offences and possession of Class A drugs.

Police have shut down a suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals / Credit: GMP

A man – who police believed to be the owner of the premises – was also arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain.

Officers seized a number of items from the address too, including cash and timesheets, as part of the ongoing investigation.

“The concerns surrounding this premises have been raised by local residents and businesses for a considerable period of time, and today’s action is the result of years of intelligence gathering and partnership working,” explained Police Sergeant Tom Layton.

“By securing a Closure Notice, we have been able to immediately disrupt the activities taking place at the premises and prevent further harm, nuisance and criminality while legal proceedings continue.

“Premises suspected of facilitating criminality can have a significant impact on those living and working nearby, causing nuisance and concern.

“We have listened to the concerns of the community and have taken robust action to address them.”

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Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead added: “Our priority is always to identify and safeguard those who may be vulnerable while pursuing those suspected of criminal offences.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to target anyone who seeks to exploit others and to ensure Oldham remains a safe place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Featured Image – GMP

Oldham

RSPCA appeals after French bulldog found dead in Oldham canal

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson RSPCA appeals after French bulldog found dead in Oldham canal

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after finding a French Bulldog dead in a canal in Oldham.

The dog was discovered by a dog walker earlier this week, floating in the middle of a canal in Chadderton.

The French Bulldog was wearing a pink-red lead and matching collar, which were wrapped around his head and front leg.

He did not have a microchip, but the charity is hoping his lead might help him to be identified.

The dog was found at around 12.20pm on Monday 5 October on a section of the canal near Middleton Road.

The harness and lead the French bulldog was found wearing in the canal. Credit: RSPCA
The harness and lead the French bulldog was found wearing in the canal. Credit: RSPCA

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Beth Fazackerley said: “This was an incredibly upsetting incident for the member of the public who made this distressing discovery, and it is heartbreaking that this poor dog was found in such circumstances.

“We are keen to establish what happened, and would urge anyone who was in the area around Middleton Road at midday, on October 5, and may have information about what happened, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01919098.

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Featured image: Google Maps

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