Although instead of keeping people apart this wall has been designed to bring people together in an eclectic mix of full body exercise, movement and a great social outing.

The Freestyle Bouldering Gym is the brain child of Chris Eather and Bindi Walker, and is located in the old Thunderdome on Anne Street. 

Following a foray into trampolining the couple have packed the bounce away and focused on the rock climbing discipline, although movement and health remain at the core of their philosophy.

“It’s essentially low height climbing, centred around problem solving - pre-defined start and finish points,” Mr Eather said. Routes are defined by different colours which correspond to the degree of difficulty. To climb the route is to solve the problem. No ropes, no belaying and a world class safety system.” 

Bouldering is growing in popularity and is set to feature at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, although there is also a unique culture and social atmosphere that the new gym is looking to grow.

“Bouldering has a huge social component and we want this to be a social space,” Mr Eather said.

The Freestyle Gym will cater for three groups from social climbing, to social competition, as well as strength and conditioning.

The first ten week competitions will begin at the end of the month, while currently the gym is open on weekends to “come and get the feel”.