Our Story

City Bloc was born in 2009, when Ben (aka the big cheese) and fellow GB climbing alumnus worked together to bring Leeds very first bouldering wall. The vision was to create an awesome place for climbers to train with their friends. Climbing without ropes offers a more sociable approach to improving fitness, even for those with no intention to ever climb outdoors.

Our original wall designs came straight from our founders’ years of climbing experience, picked up from competing all over the world. In 2020, we decided to expand our offerings by adding a dedicated competition wall & gym. This expansion showcased our commitment to creating a vibrant, social, and versatile space for climbers of all stripes.

Everything at City Bloc, from our climbing walls to the latest holds, is shaped by Ben’s 20+ years of routesetting experience, supported by a knowledgeable team. Together, they keep our setting fresh, challenging, and welcoming for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or part of the GB Climbing Team, there’s always a problem to solve thanks to our quality route setting. For the seasoned climbers, our comp-style problems push your limits and spark creativity. And if you’re looking for a few tips, our friendly team is always happy to share their knowledge.

City Bloc is 100% independently owned, giving it an authentic vibe and unique aesthetic. Climbing is at the heart of everything we do, which fuels the vibrant City Bloc community we have today.

Looking back at City Bloc

We’ve been going since 2009…. here are some bits of footage from early on….

Bloc Party

Our in-house competition Bloc Party is renowned … drawing talent from across the Country. Here are our highlights from 2023!