Four Years of Impact: Bringing Energy Back to Southend
Four years into bringing bouldering to Southend, we thought it was time to take stock of our impact. From day one, Indirock has always been a non-profit social enterprise, laser focussed on our three core aims:
- Inclusivity
- City centre revival
- Opportunities for young people
In part 2 of our series delving into this impact, we’re taking a look at our second aim – bringing the buzz back to Southend City Centre.
Reviving the Heart of Southend
When we set about dreaming up Indirock, we didn’t just want to build a climbing wall… we wanted to help reimagine our city centre.
So we set up shop right in the heart of Southend, on our struggling high street – turning a space that had been boarded up for 14 years into a buzzing hub of activity, connection, and friendships.
From Empty Space to Community Hub
What was once boarded up is now filled with:
- Climbers cheering each other on
- Families spending time together
- New friendships forming every day
And the numbers tell quite a story:
- 👣 40,000+ people have registered with us
- 🧗 130,000 climbs logged
- 🧸 2,500+ soft play sessions for mini climbers
- 🚐 2,000 FREE climbs delivered in the community, via our mobile wall
A Boost for the High Street
We’re incredibly proud to be part of a bigger success story too.
And guess what? Our building, The Victoria Shopping Centre, has just been named the fastest growing shopping centre in the UK! Indirock’s footfall has certainly contributed to that, which makes us very proud.
What’s more, Indirock won the “Best Independent Retailer Award” in 2025’s REVO awards (like the Oscars for shopping centres in the UK). Who would have thought that a little non-profit bouldering wall would win that accolade?!
We’ve also supported many other local businesses, set up the Big Up Southend markets, and continue to spread a positive message about our high street – because thriving communities don’t just happen, they’re built together.
👉 This is about more than climbing. It’s about community.
And we’re proud to be part of Southend’s story. Watch out for part 3 of our series, exploring our legacy for vulnerable young people in our City.
