Adventure centre set to open new learning hub

Mount Cook Adventure Centre is set to officially open a new learning hub aimed at businesses.

The not-for-profit organisation, which aims to provide access to the outdoors for all, is expanding its corporate offer with the launch of the Learning Lodge – a purpose-built meeting and training facility, designed to support businesses across Derbyshire and beyond.

Located at Mount Cook’s base at Middleton-by-Wirksworth, the new facility can accommodate up to 100 delegates and features modern amenities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating and WIFI, making it ideal for off-site meetings, strategy days, training sessions, and team building retreats.

Mount Cook hopes the space will host a wide range of meetings, workshops and events.

It will be equipped with meeting equipment including a large screen for presentations and has space for a future self-catering kitchen.

Mount Cook chief executive Steve Turner said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to provide a space for our groups and the local community to gather.

“This is more important than ever with the recently announced closure of the Derbyshire Eco Centre.

“We are a rapidly growing business and improving our site is paramount to supporting the groups we work with.”

The Learning Lodge is set to be officially opened on 28 July, with Derbyshire Dales MP John Whitby cutting the ribbon.

Steve said: “It’s a pleasure and an honour to welcome MP John Whitby – I am aware of his interest in the value that outdoor education can bring to young people.

“It’s fantastic that he has agreed to cut the ribbon on this new building, that will add even more value to what we do.”

Since opening in 2016, Mount Cook has welcomed a diverse range of visitors, including over 95 charities, many of them Derbyshire-based.

Derbyshire based businesses also utilise Mount Cook’s meeting spaces and team building activities.

The centre offers a range of outdoor activities from rock climbing and bushcraft to archery and zip wire, all delivered by expert instructors, with bespoke development programmes available.

The Learning Lodge will complement Mount Cook’s existing facilities, which include several smaller meeting rooms, a glass-fronted main hall seating up to 120 people, and en-suite accommodation and catering for up to 180 guests.