Save the K2 Climbing Wall!
On 31st March 2026 the iconic K2 climbing wall is set to be demolished. But the surprise decision has been taken behind closed doors.
We’re calling on Crawley Council and Everyone active to take four reasonable steps: 1. Pause the closure. 2. Consult properly. 3. Share the evidence. 4. Keep Climbing at K2!
Why this matters
1
An iconic and rare public facility
K2’s climbing wall is a unique and valuable public facility, not a niche add-on. This decision would remove the only roped climbing wall between London and Brighton, eliminate a unique Olympic-pathway speed wall, a rare crack climbing challenge, and cut off access to climbing for children, families, schools and climbers of all ages.
- It supports children as young as 4, teenagers, adults and older climbers. Any competant climber who is signed off can supervise under 4s too.
- It provides the only roped climbing between London and Brighton
- It is used by schools for GCSEs, youth groups, DofE and families and 106 children doing NICAS (the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) a UK-wide programme that safely builds climbing skills, confidence and progression in roped climbing and bouldering.
- It includes the only speed climbing wall in the South of England, an Olympic discipline, and a unique crack climbing feature
Once removed, this facility is gone for good.
2
Soft play is not a replacement for sport
Replacing K2 climbing wall with soft play is like swapping an Olympic swimming pool for a paddling pool.
Climbing:
- Builds strength, coordination, confidence and resilience
- Supports mental health and focus
- Offers clear progression pathways for young people
- Is inclusive across ages, sizes and abilities
Soft play cannot replace:
- Structured sport
- Skill progression
- Teen and adult participation
- Olympic-recognised disciplines
Children (and adults) don’t “grow out” of climbing — they grow through it.
3
A decision taken too fast
The proposed closure:
- Was communicated with minimal notice, just 8 weeks until demolition!
- Appears to rely on non-public business cases
- Has not involved users, parents, clubs or governing bodies
- Ignores the strategic importance of the facility
Decisions of this scale require transparency and consultation.
120+
Unique Climbing Routes
1
Brilliant Community
26
Jobs at risk
What we are asking for
1
An immediate pause to the closure
Stop the demolition on 31st March 2026
2
Meaningful consultation
Actually talk to users, families, schools about what they want.
3
Publicise the business case
Don't let this deciison be taken behind closed doors.
How you can help - this week
1
Write one letter or email
A personal message makes a real difference.
Tell decision-makers in Crawley Council and Everyone Active who you are, how you use the wall, and why it matters that we Pause the closure and consult the community
2
Share this page and join our Facebook
Many users still don’t know the wall is closing. Awareness matters. Here is a link to our Facebook
3
Sign our petition
4
Turn up and climb
Visible use matters.
‘I’ve been climbing for many years and introducing my children to the sport has been incredibly meaningful. The climbing wall has become a huge part of our family life. My daughter joined the NICAS course at K2 just after turning seven and has been a regular for over four years, growing in confidence and making lasting friendships. My son followed last year when he turned seven. We will deeply miss our evenings together at K2’
Paul Thompson
“I’ve seen firsthand how climbing transforms people, from children to young adults. It meets everyone where they are, builds both body and mind, and creates a sense of confidence and belonging that very few sports can offer. My son holds the current speed wall record at 4.6s, leads and boulders at K2 too, all 3 disciplines that he'd love to take to the Olympics. All from his K2 journey, thanks to the amazing staff there!’’
David Stanley, whose son is in the K2 climbing squad
About Keep Climbing K2 Crawley
The climbing wall at K2 Crawley is facing permanent closure on 31st March 2026 — with little warning, limited evidence, and no meaningful consultation with the people who use it.
This decision would remove the only roped climbing wall between London and Brighton, eliminate a unique Olympic-pathway speed wall, and cut off access to climbing for children, families, schools and climbers of all ages.
Keep Climbing K2 Crawley is a community campaign of local climbers, parents and residents established in 2026 to preserve climbing facilities in Crawley.
Contact us
E-mail: contact@keepclimbingK2crawley.co.uk
Change.Org Petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-climbing-k2-crawley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2157678114972052
Climb at K2: