The Arc
The Arc is a purpose-built climbing centre and recreation facility in Chippenham. The Arc officially opened in spring 2022 and is leased to and operated by The Climbing Academy.
What’s At The Arc
A modern purpose-built climbing centre with bouldering rooms, 14m high roped climbing room, including auto-belays a calisthenic area and an outdoor climbing wall.
The Arc Skatepark – a free public skatepark adjacent to the building.
A cafe – open daily with indoor and outdoor seating (including a large wooden deck), dog-friendly areas, and plug points for working remotely. Open to climbers and non-climbers.
The Arc Park – a natural-wood area next to the climbing centre and cafe.
For detailed information about opening hours, climbing sessions, courses, and memberships, please visit The Climbing Academy’s website: theclimbingacademy.com/locations/the-arc
About The Project
The Arc was created and funded by CBLC as a new space for the whole community to enjoy. Our goal was to provide high-quality, accessible facilities that encourage people of all ages to get active, spend time outdoors, learn and connect with others.
We led the development of the centre, working with local partners Artel 31 (formally Elkins Architects) on the design and Rigg Construction as the main contractor. The project also received funding support from Sport England (£100,000 towards the climbing centre) and Wiltshire Council (£200,000 for the skatepark). Construction began in 2020 and was completed in early 2022.
The Arc officially opened to the public in April 2022, marked by a special launch event featuring record-breaking British Mountaineer, Kenton Cool, who cut the ribbon and gave an inspiring talk to guests and local residents. The opening also included a Skate Jam in the newly built skatepark – a fun and lively celebration of local skating talent with demonstrations, competitions and prizes for participants of all ages.
The climbing centre and cafe are operated by The Climbing Academy who lease the building and run daily sessions, courses and events.
The skatepark, designed and built by Canvas, is located within The Arc grounds overlooking Westmead Playing Fields. It is free to use, unsupervised, and open during daylight hours for BMXs, in-line skates, skateboards and scooters.
The Arc Park opened in February 2023. Designed and built by Touchwood Play, it features a Wildwood Tree House, sand tower with pulley, slides, and other interactive play structures and it linked to the cafe by a bridge.
Through The Arc, CBLC supports the long-term health, wellbeing and social engagement of Chippenham residents of people as part of a wider transformation of our charity’s land at Westmead, including new walking routes in the neighbouring Westmead Open Space.
Getting There & Getting Around
- Westmead Playing Field is a short (5-10 minute) walk from Chippenham High Street
- Paid parking is available at Westmead Lane Car Park, located at the entrance to the playing field. Other nearby car parks include Gladstone Road, Borough Parade and Wood Lane Car Parks.
- A path runs around one edge of the field, making it accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bikes
- The Sustrans National Cycle Route 403 runs along the edge of the field, connecting it to the wider town and countryside via safe, off-road paths
- A pedestrian underpass beneath the A4 bypass links Westmead Playing Field to the adjacent Westmead Open Space, where you’ll find a circular riverside walking route
- The field can also be accessed from Little Englands and from Avon Valley Walk, over the blue bridge which crosses the River Avon opposite Charter Road estate.
Whether you’re stopping by for a climb, letting the children explore the play area, or just taking a stroll, Westmead Playing Field is a great starting point for enjoying the outdoors in Chippenham – with something for everyone, including four-legged friends.
