The proposal.

A proposed $2.6 million climbing facility planned for Dunedin's Moana Pool could make the city a world leader in the growing sport, local enthusiasts believe.

The 427sq m facility would be sited at the northern end of the learners pool and include an 11m main climbing wall, with a variety of routes, and a bouldering area.

The venue would also include the latest innovation in indoor climbing: 17 Clip 'n' Climb modules, themed wall climbs with particular appeal to children.

Second-phase plans could include installation of an ice climbing wall which might be piggybacked off the pool's existing heat exchanger.

The design also includes a reception area, kitting-out area, commercial kitchen, toilets and cafe.

"Dunedin is the only place in New Zealand of any substance that doesn't have climbing facilities. Even places like Twizel, Wanaka and Oamaru have walls," New Zealand Alpine Club and project member Andy Cunningham said yesterday.

"We haven't had a dedicated climbing facility since the one at World Gym closed in 2004."

The Otago branch of the alpine club completed a feasibility study last year and Moana Pool then commissioned sketch plans from Baker Garden Architects and costings from structural engineers Flanders Marlow.

The facility would require $50,000 seed funding from the Dunedin City Council, with the balance coming from fundraising, sponsorship and loans, Mr Cunningham said.

"I've been told the project would generate good cashflow from day one and be debt-free within just a few years."

Dunedin City Council city environment manager Tony Avery said the council was aware of the proposal, but it had yet to be discussed.

"We haven't really had a chance to form a view on it yet.

"It's not in the system, at this stage, so it's not on the annual plan radar. They'd need to make a submission to the council's annual plan process."

The study forecasts 76,600 visits to the centre in its first year of operation, which would increase traffic volumes at the pool by an estimated 11.4%.

Casual climbing fees would range from around $5.60 a session for children to $10.70 for adults.

Indoor climbing was a growth sport internationally, boosted by innovations such as the user-friendly Clip 'n' Climb system, Mr Cunningham said.

"The Roxx Climbing Centre in Christchurch has outperformed all financial forecasts since it was built six years ago. It's an absolute gold mine and they're packed from dawn to dusk on weekends. It's something that appeals to all ages. Kids love it and adults love it.

"It's almost a sure-fire financial certainty and it would complement existing facilities at Moana Pool. It has free car-parking, an ideal location and a positive community image," he said.

"Another benefit of Moana Pool is that it has a 450kW heat exchanger, which could be used to cool an ice wall. Nobody in the world has managed to do that profitably, because of the cost of refrigeration. We could be a world leader in that regard.

"The vision is to eventually have an ice climbing wall that costs no more than 50% more [to use] than a rock wall."

The Moana Pool Redevelopment Trust, which was wound up in 2004, could be reinstated to manage and raise funds for the venture, Mr Cunningham said.

DCC aquatic services manager Steve Prescott said indoor climbing was a growth recreational industry and that the proposed facility could complement the pool's core activities.

"My personal opinion is that it would probably fly very well and it feels like it could be a no-brainer. But I'm not prepared to put something up to the council that's not going to fly," he said yesterday.

Detailed costings for the project would be available later next week, Mr Prescott said.

- nigel.benson@odt.co.nz