Work to transform a historic lifeboat station into a climbing centre is nearing completion.

Pioneer reporter Patrick Glover was given an inside look at the new Boathouse Climbing Centre which is being developed inside the old Llandudno Lifeboat Station, on Lloyd Road which has stood since 1903.

The Boathouse Climbing Centre is the brainchild of Llandudno couple Andrew and Emma-Jane Sutcliffe who used to run the JunctionWall at Llandudno Junction Leisure Centre.

The idea for the new centre has been in the pipelines for the past six years and came to fruition back in 2017.

Work begun in November on the Boathouse Climbing Centre and it is set to be opened in March.

Mrs Sutcliffe said: "Boathouse Climbing Centre will have approximately 300 square meters of climbing surface. This includes a 4.5 metre roof bouldering area, up to 8 meter lead walls and top roping systems with auto belays.

"A range of climbing routes will be available for various abilities; from beginners and children as young as 5 years old through to more advanced levels for those that are training to climb outdoors.

"In addition there will be a human rat run which is a section of squeeze through cave systems positioned in the roof space 6 meters above the ground.

"It will be open to the public for personal climbing experiences as well as instructor led sessions from climbing clubs, private tuition, birthday parties and other group sessions either corporate or leisure.

"Boathouse Climbing Centre will also be the new home for Conwy Monkeys, a climbing club for young people, and their families, who have additional needs."

The couple will look to retain certain aspects of the old lifeboat station, showing care to its history and heritage.

Mrs Sutcliffe said: "Our choice of design and colour schemes is in keeping with the RNLI, we have reused furniture, wood, as well as utilised some fixtures for new purposes.

"The old escape ladder has been cut down with the intention of turning it into a series of picture frames to display old photographs.

"Certain areas have been left untouched, leaving original features in place.

"The RNLI have loaned certain artefacts with historical significance that will be displayed within the centre and we will be actively supporting them through charitable fundraisers."

With the closest climbing centre being more than half an hour away the pair saw a gap in the market and thought Llandudno would be the perfect place.

As from March full opening hours are expected to be 10am-10pm Monday to Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday and Sunday.

For more information visit www.boathouseclimbingcentre.co.uk or contact 01492 353 535 or climb@boathouseclimbingcentre.co.uk.