Defunct mill's chimneys may be used for sport climbing

A climbing centre, which would include 20-metre high climbing walls, a competition wall and a bouldering cave, could occupy the old Sugden's Mill in Mill Royd Street if Calderdale Council approve the plans.

The mill has been steeped in controversy following a huge row between Calderdale and local businessman Bill Ibberson over its future.

It has stood empty for 10 years after it was bought by Mr Ibberson's company Younger Homes.

But now ROKT, the company behind the project, hope that it can utilise the large towers of the mill to create a sporting attraction unique to the borough by the ingenious use of the mill's giant silos as a state-of-the-art climbing gym.

The plan would bring back into use the decaying silos which have not been used for many years and are a defining image of the Brighouse skyline.

Director Leigh Topping said: "There is a massive influx into the sport and we hope to cater for that.

"Everyone from beginners to professionals will be welcome as well as families and groups of school children.

"We feel other climbing walls don't offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere but we hope to provide that.''

It's not the first time ROKT has tried to set up in Calderdale after narrowly missing out on a site in Elland.

Mr Topping added: "We thought we had the site in Elland secured and it fell through at the last minute which was so disappointing.

"This site is even better though and I can't see many people objecting. It can only bring positives to the area.''

Lead designer Paul Ibberson, (no relation to Bill Ibberson), said that it would attract people to Brighouse from across Yorkshire. "There are no other climbing centres like it that we know of in the UK," he said.

"We are providing a unique experience which makes great use of the existing building which would otherwise have been demolished and will help economic growth in the area."

A decision by Calderdale Council is expected to be made next year.