Work to transform the upper deck of Gloucester Quays into a massive climbing centre could soon begin.

Plans were approved on Friday (May 9) to develop the mezzanine at the shopping centre into a leisure facility.

The 1,256 sqm space has sat empty for years but now looks set to become a Clip 'N Climb featuring numerous walls, play areas and a cafe.

It will provide a "much needed family facility " for the city with a "feel good factor" said one local resident.

Work can start after Gloucester City Council granted permission to change the use of the upper deck from outlet retailing to indoor sport, recreation or fitness.

A report by officers said the plans would create jobs, make "effective and efficient use" of the vacant space and "contribute to healthy lifestyles".

Owner of the shopping centre Gloucester Quays LLP does not need any further planning permission for the internal works. It has already installed two new escalators to make the upper deck more accessible and said the climbing plans would not require any external changes or result in any loss of retail space or parking.

A planning statement by Alder King Planning Consultants said Quays bosses hope the facility will increase footfall and encourage longer stays at the shopping centre.

The opened-sided upper deck was created as part of the original building and there have been numerous proposals for it over the years including an event space, Gloucester Antiques Centre and a soft play.

The application said Clip 'N Climb UK would be the "likely" operator of the space. It already has 360 facilities in more than 50 countries worldwide including at the O2 in London, Bristol, Swindon and Bicester.

There are no similar facilities in Gloucester as The Warehouse Climbing Centre closed its doors  in October after 30 years.

There was one letter of support for the application which said: "It was disappointing to see the climbing centre move out the city but it seems in this particular instance the cloud really does have a silver lining.

"Not only do these proposals appear to be an ideal use for this huge vacant space they should provide a significant boost to the vibrancy and critical mass of the Quays and broader city centre - while also providing a much welcomed family friendly attraction."

Quays bosses have remained tight-lipped about further details of the development and when it may open.

A spokesperson for Gloucester Quays said: "While we cannot comment in detail at this stage, we are committed to ensuring Gloucester Quays provides a unique experience for visitors.

"We achieve this by continually enhancing and evolving the offer to ensure we remain the number one choice, both for people living in Gloucester and those travelling from much further away to visit the destination."

Punchline-gloucester.com has contacted Clip 'N Climb for a comment.

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