It has been a long time coming for Chippenham to welcome its brand new, fully-accessible climbing centre The Arc.

The included skatepark has been a highly anticipated new facility for Chippenham and is already being enjoyed by local skaters of all ages and abilities.

We were given the chance to have a first look around the brand new building, and find out why everyone is so excited, ahead of their big launch event taking place this weekend.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Bouldering. Photo: TCABouldering. Photo: TCA

Nina Gizzie, the regional operations manager at the Climbing Academy took us on a tour around the facilities.

The facility is one of just a few that has been purpose-built in the UK. Inspiration for the design was taken from the likes of the famous Kletterzentrum in Innsbruck.

Music: www.bensound.com

Ms Gizzie said: “It’s been an amazing process being able to watch it from afar, using the remote systems as well, and being able to see it being built.

"Being able to see the community of Chippenham come and use it regularly without too much push was really great.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Outside The Arc. Photo: TCAOutside The Arc. Photo: TCA

The Arc facility has been funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity with the support of a £100,000 grant from Sports England towards the climbing centre and a £200,000 grant from Wiltshire Council towards the skatepark.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: High ropes. Photo: TCAHigh ropes. Photo: TCA

Phil Townsley: CEO of the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity said: “Six years ago we were looking to do a major project, and to cut a long story short, we ended up looking at the climbing centre, and the skatepark with Wiltshire Council.

“It’s taken six long years to build, and it’s been a lot of hard work really.

“I think it will definitely be worth the wait. I think it’s really put Chippenham on the mark, on the map.”

On Saturday, April 9, there will be a chance to celebrate the opening of The Arc between 12-3 pm. Visitors will be able to watch climbing demonstrations on the outside climbing wall and professional skateboarders will also be visiting to put on a demonstration, showcasing what can be done within the new skatepark facility which adjoins the climbing centre.

Katie Bradbury, communications officer at Chippenham Borough Lands Charity was very pleased with the reception so far to The Arc.

She said: “It’s really exciting to see the centre open, people using it and enjoying it. We’re getting lots of great feedback on social media and through messages as well from people that are using it and enjoying it.”