A new bouldering wall and play space is set to be created in a Broomhill church building – and organisers are hoping to raise £15,000 to help fund it.

The Broomhill Methodist Centre building is supported by the Foundry Sheffield, a charity who manages a number of sites across the city including the renowned Victoria Hall.

Another organisation, the Sheffield Methodist Circuit, is spearheading the project. It was established in 2013 when eight former Methodist circuits covering Sheffield, parts of North East Derbyshire and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough merged.

Rose Durant, the building and community manager for the Broomhill Methodist Centre, said: “We had a relatively new building in such a fantastic location within the city and knew that more could be done.

“We reached out to the local community to find out what needs there were and quickly found that family-centred spaces were lacking.”

Now with the support of The Climbing Works Broomhill, the new bouldering wall will welcome climbers of all abilities.

Ms Durant said: “We are really excited about the collaboration with Climbing Works.

“They really understand what we are trying to achieve and the importance of creating accessible spaces within communities.” 

The project also includes the creation of a play space where children and families can explore, create, and connect. A role play area has already been trialled for 18 months, with the development of more permanent features ‘met with encouragement’ from parents.

Funding has been secured for both projects due to a number of grants. However the majority will come from a Crowdfunder aiming to raise £15,000 which will unlock another £15,000 in matched funding from Sports England.

The funding will build the bouldering wall, provide free and subsidised climbing sessions, support outreach programmes and create an open church space.

Ms Durant said: “Our hope is that this will be a space where people can simply come as they are and be met with a warm welcome.

“We want people to enjoy the space, and use it for whatever they need.”

The Crowdfunder is offering a variety of rewards, including entry and climbing sessions at to the Climbing Works.

To support the Broomhill Methodist Centre Project check out the Crowdfunder at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/broomhill-methodist-centre-bouldering-wall.