The Arc

As one of the UK’s first purpose-built climbing centres, this community architecture scheme has been 7 years in the making.

Our design process for The Arc began with an outline evaluation of the site, which was coupled with an environmental study to guide our initial ideas.

The design then evolved over the years into its present form, through several different public, statutory and stakeholder consultations.

The project includes:

A full-height roped area; both internal and external ranging from 10-15m in height

A bouldering area; ranging from 4m to 8m in height spread between both buildings over two floors.

A community café designed as part of the climbing centre and the wider recreation ground.

A raised and fenced terrace area designed as a safe play space for younger children and external seating for the café.

A skatepark

An activity playpark

A teaching space/classroom

The site is an active flood plain, so the scheme was designed to be raised 1.5m above the existing ground level with a void beneath, and excavation elsewhere, to offset and improve the volume of water able to be held.

See more community & urban developments by Artel31.

A busy outdoor sports park showcases vibrant community architecture as people climb colourful rock walls and skateboarders perform tricks in a concrete bowl, with spectators watching from the side and a wooden building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern building with geometric angles, showcasing community architecture through yellowish wooden panels, reflective glass, and dark grey corrugated metal cladding. The design emphasises sharp lines and contrasts between warm wood and cool metal surfaces.
Internal climbing wall of Chippenham climbing centre, a community architecture project in Chippenham designed by Artel31
aerial shot of Chippenham climbing centre and skatepark, a community architecture project in Chippenham designed by Artel31
Black and white photo of a modern building corridor with wood panelling highlights sleek community architecture. Glass doors line both sides, while a rectangular window above the walkway frames the cloudy sky in this geometric perspective.
A modern example of community architecture, this building with grey metal cladding and light timber panelling features large solar panels on sloping roofs. A wooden fence and pergola are in front, with trees visible under an overcast sky.
Close-up of a modern building facade featuring dark metal cladding and rooftop solar panels, showcasing minimalist, angular community architecture. Part of a wooden exterior wall is visible on the right. The overcast sky forms a white backdrop.
A modern indoor bouldering gym with bright orange, red, and white climbing walls covered in colourful holds. Overhead industrial lighting and exposed ductwork highlight community architecture in the open, loft-style space. THE LOFT is written on a wall in the foreground.
Close-up of a modern outdoor staircase made of concrete steps with a metal handrail, surrounded by vertical wooden slats and metal posts—an example of thoughtful community architecture. A glass window in the background reflects an indoor staircase.
climbing wall sketch

Sustainable Measures

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

Photovoltaic panels

Passive solar gain regulation/orientation studies undertaken during design

Electric car charging and allocated space for future battery installation

Minimal internal structure to allow future alteration

High insulation levels (low U and Y values)

Biodiverse landscaping used

Location & Community Context

Set within the heart of Chippenham’s evolving public realm, this project is more than just a climbing centre — it’s a new social anchor for the town. Situated adjacent to key community facilities, the centre plays an active role in the wider vision for a connected, inclusive, and vibrant urban landscape.

Designed as a piece of community architecture, the building responds to its setting with openness and purpose. It invites local residents, youth groups, schools, and visitors to engage physically and socially with the space. The centre contributes to a sense of place, activating the surrounding public realm and reinforcing the importance of well-designed, community-first infrastructure in shaping civic identity.

This location offered a unique opportunity to embed meaningful, playful architecture into the everyday life of Chippenham — a space that’s as much about belonging as it is about bouldering.

Chippenham Climbing Centre
North Wiltshire