Two entrepreneurs who met at Parthian Climbing wall in Harrogate 12 years ago have bought the facility.
Marc Wise, 39, and Dan Miller, 37, worked as instructors at Parthian before setting up their own outdoor activities business Live For Today.
The site on Hornbeam Park will be renamed Live For Today Climbing Centre.
Previously, Mr Miller from Skipton studied outdoor education and Mr Wise from Harrogate worked in IT, before using their savings to launch Live for Today in 2012, with zorbing in a Harrogate farmer’s field.
It has since grown into an outdoor activity business operating across four sites. It has 25 outdoor activities, including quad biking, paddle boarding, axe throwing, air rifle shooting and escape rooms.
Buying the climbing wall marks a significant moment for the pair.
Mr Wise said:
“I was pretty unfulfilled working in IT, and the idea for Live For Today was inspired by a climbing trip we took to Austria. We started from a Harrogate farmer’s field, saving money to buy new equipment, growing into a really robust, exciting business.
“It was a chance to pursue our passion. Buying the climbing wall is a full circle moment for our business, as it’s where we first met and it all began.”
The business grew in 2013 after the pair went to a Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce business safari event and met the manager of Hazlewood Castle, who invited them to bring adventure activities to the 70-acre woodland in Leeds.
In 2014, Live For Today moved into its second activity centre in the grounds of Ripley Castle and launched offsite adventures, such as caving and climbing in the Yorkshire Dales. The team now has its head office at the castle.
It then expanded with summer camps, activities in the Lake District, partnering with the Prince’s Trust, and in 2019, launching their first escape rooms at Ripley Castle.
Mr Wise said:
“The beauty of indoor climbing is its accessibility. It isn’t elitist. People of all abilities and skills share the same wall. We have all ages taking part in our activities from eight to 80-year-olds.”
Climbing will feature at the Paris Olympics this summer. Athletes will compete in two disciplines – boulder and lead, and a new speed event.
Live For Today now has 20 activity instructors and an 11-strong management team.
Mr Wise said:
“Acquiring the climbing wall is really significant and special as it is where it all began.
“There’s been criticism about the lack of indoor activities and things to do for young people, so the climbing wall is a huge asset for the area.”
Parthian Harrogate was one of five Parthian climbing centres in England.
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