We’re excited to announce the signing of a brand-new Clip ‘n Climb franchise centre coming soon to Gloucester Quays, one of the South West’s premier retail and leisure destinations. The 14,000 sq ft venue, set to open next year, marks another milestone in Clip ‘n Climb’s ongoing expansion across the UK, and a major step forward in our mission to make fun, active experiences accessible to all.
Daniel Mends has over 20 years of experience in the financial markets, where he built, restructured, and led high-performing teams within commercial and investment banks. In 2024, he founded Isle Consulting, advising major clients on finance and treasury restructuring, including the world’s leading independent cryptocurrency exchange. Alongside his consultancy work, Daniel has been working closely with Clip ‘n Climb to identify exciting franchise opportunities in the Midlands.
Reflecting on his next chapter, Daniel said, “Reaching the mid-point of my career I took some time to reflect on what I wanted to achieve in the long-term. Being a long-term consumer of the family experience economy, Clip ‘n Climb’s global brand, strong business model and the opportunities of diversifying into a wider entertainment offering under the wider ABEO Group really made the decision for me. The people I have met on the journey have just cemented in my mind that this was a decision well made.”
Now, as he signs the lease for the brand-new Gloucester Quays centre, Daniel adds, “I am elated to be able to bring this new facility to Gloucester Quays. The regeneration of the area, completed by the Peel Group some 15+ years ago, has ensured that the heritage of the furthest inland docks in the UK will live on, whilst delivering hundreds if not thousands of jobs into the local market, and I am proud to be a small part of that success story.”
This latest signing, secured in partnership with Peel Retail & Leisure, will bring Clip ‘n Climb’s signature mix of creativity, colour and challenge to the heart of Gloucester. The new centre will feature 19 unique climbing challenges, including some of our most signature attractions such as the Vertical Drop Slide and Stairway to Heaven.
In addition to our climbing walls, the site will include a large multi-level soft play area and a South Ridge Café, creating a family day-out experience that encourages active play, social connection, and community engagement.
The Gloucester Quays location has been purposefully designed to complement the destination’s strong retail and leisure offer. As part of Peel Retail & Leisure’s long-term strategy to enhance the upper deck with recreation and fitness concepts, Clip ‘n Climb is set to play a key role in evolving the site into a true multi-experience hub, where shopping, dining, and activity meet.
“Gloucester Quays has always been on our radar as a location to expand into,” said Danny Hodgson, Commercial Manager at Clip ‘n Climb.
“It’s a truly special place with a strong sense of community, appealing to both locals, climbing enthusiasts and those travelling from further afield. We’re excited to welcome everyone, from age 2 to 102, to enjoy challenges that cater to all abilities and encourage families to be active together.”
With over 80 locations across the UK and Ireland, Clip ‘n Climb continues to lead the evolution of leisure experiences that combine adventure, fun, and family engagement. Each new centre strengthens our national network, showcasing how leisure operators and landlords can successfully integrate active, experience-led attractions to increase footfall and dwell time.
The Gloucester Quays signing reinforces Clip ‘n Climb’s growing reputation as a high-impact, low-barrier investment opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolio with a proven leisure concept that appeals to a wide demographic.
For retail destinations, Clip ‘n Climb provides a compelling solution to activate underused space, attract families, and create repeat visitation. Our franchise model offers investors a turnkey opportunity backed by a globally recognised brand, ongoing operational support, and a track record of commercial success.
The Gloucester Quays development exemplifies how our partnerships can help retail destinations evolve into true ‘shop, play and stay’ environments, a key trend driving the modern leisure market.
Explore our franchise opportunities and see how Clip ‘n Climb can help you run your own business while benefiting from the support of an established brand.
