Oldham's Summit Up shortlisted for national award

The Clip ‘n Climb area at the Summit Up centre

Oldham's new climbing centre has been shortlisted for a national infrastructure award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in construction and infrastructure, and recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.

Summit Up has been shortlisted in the 'Community Benefit' category which will be awarded later this year at the grand final in London.

Summit Up opened in the town centre in September of last year, attracting over two-thousand visitors in the first two weeks.

The judges describe the centre as "one of the most exciting facilities of its kind", featuring "a fantastic accessible and inclusive experience for people of all ages and abilities."

Summit Up is funded by The Stoller Charitable Trust, a charity that funds projects across the north west, with paricular interest in the advancement of young people.

The purpose-built climbing centre aims to provide a fun and safe space for the community to experience something new and push their limits. All profits generated by Summit Up will go directly back into the charity.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, Sir Norman Stoller CBE KStJ DL, Chairman and Founder of the Stoller Charitable Trust said: "While we are a ‘for profit’ business, Summit Up is the trading subsidiary of The Stoller Charitable Trust whose purpose has been to provide opportunities to raise aspirations, support Oldham’s young people to reach the height of their ability and provide a helping hand when it is most needed.

"All of the Summit Up distributable profits will go directly to charity.

"It is our hope that Summit Up will connect the community and create a lasting social venue in Oldham.”

Other shortlisted schemes across the North West include building projects from Liverpool, Blackpool, Preston, Salford, Carlisle, Chester, Manchester and Lancashire.

Companies still have the opportunity to enter an additional four categories – to be judged nationally – and have until 29th April to submit their entry.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.