Bowldro Buarth is a Community Benefit Society, working to build the UK’s first Cooperative Climbing Wall here in Mid-Wales
Climbing can be a catalyst for personal development, bringing mental and physical health benefits and shared experiences that can foster a cohesive community.
We aim to support the development and diversity of the people of Aberystwyth in a safe and welcoming space that brings people together and creates friendships.
We also plan to create a cafe offering healthy food and great coffee!
In order to achieve the best facility for you, the people of Aberystwyth, we need your help!
Pledge your support here
Buarth Hall is a beautiful, historic building in the heart of Aberystwyth. We want to transfer ownership of the hall to the community by reforming and revitalising Buarth Hall to create a high quality, accessible bouldering gym and café.
What does this mean?
We will transform Buarth Hall into an accessible, inclusive space that welcomes the whole community, whether you are an experienced climber or have never tried it before.
With friendly, supportive and highly qualified staff we will ensure access to climbing for all, regardless of age, experience, ability to pay, physical ability or skill level. We will offer free or subsidised sessions to young people and underrepresented groups.
Climbing has many benefits for both physical and mental health. We are here to support and build communities, not to make a profit. Plus we will also serve really good coffee. Bowldro Buarth will be a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society run by its members for the benefit of the community.
How will we make this happen?
Bowldro Buarth bouldering centre will be driven by a culture of encouragement and empowerment that will support users to overcome challenges, both on and off the climbing wall. We will strive to sustain a vibrant, accessible and inclusive atmosphere, where all parts of the community feel welcome. As a Community Benefit Society, we want the community to share accountability and ownership of Bowldro Buarth. This will help to ensure a focus on fulfilling community needs, rather than simply making money.
The main building purchase, renovation and bouldering wall build, plus the first three months’ revenue is projected to cost £719,050. Bowldro Buarth has already successfully applied for grant funding to get to this stage and we have identified various further grant funding opportunities, for which we feel the project has a high chance of success. We now need your help to raise the funds required to purchase the building, and give Buarth Hall a sustainable future that welcomes, supports and embraces everyone. The numerous enthusiastic and thoughtful responses to our Community Survey and Public Meeting prove that Bowldro Buarth is a much wanted resource for people of all ages and walks of life. The total remaining costs to reach the point at which the centre is ready to open, providing facilities of the highest possible standard, including the initial purchase, contingency and working capital, are projected to cost £707,835.
Wherever you live, you can buy shares in this exciting project. Buying shares makes you a member of the Bowldro Buarth Community Benefit Society and gives you a say in how it is run. Each member has one vote, regardless of how many shares they buy. Buying shares will never make you rich, but they should make you feel proud to be a part of this community venture. Each share in Bowldro Buarth has a nominal value of £1. The minimum investment required is £50 (equal to 50 shares). Subject to the Management Committee’s approval, 3% interest will be paid on your investment after the first three years of trading and your shares can start to be redeemed after Year 5.