Squamish could be home to a new climbing centre next to the Stawamus Chief if a Vancouver-based developer gets its way.

Kingswood Group wants to build the National Climbing Centre, which would include an indoor climbing wall, offices for local, provincial or national climbing organizations, climbing-related research and educational programs, and a base camp for outdoor climbers and guides, at its Scott Crescent site on Highway 99.

The proposal requires rezoning approval by the Squamish district council, which hasn't yet been officially presented with the plan.

John Moonen, spokesman for Kingswood Group, said the proposed facility would help Squamish "solidify its reputation as the Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada" and provide benefits to the entire community.

"A waterfront walkway and commuter trail network will link Smoke Bluffs Park and downtown Squamish," he said in a news release. "It will open up the waterfront for everyone to enjoy, providing an inviting new gateway for visitors."

Moonen said the developer would work with the community to establish a community-based not-for-profit society that will be responsible for the NCC administration.

Squamish Coun. Bryan Raiser said while he's "always excited when someone wants to come to town and enhance our 'Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada' title," he would like to hear more about the plan.

He noted the proposal comes at the same time council is in the middle of a land-use study for the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel, which is aimed at helping the council determine the mix of land uses, densities and transportation strategies for the area under the current official community plan. He's not sure how the proposal would fit in with this plan.

Moonen said the developers have held a number of public meetings in Squamish and said many ideas from the community have been incorporated into their rezoning application.

The plan also includes a retail component that will focus on climbing and outdoor recreation as well as housing designed to be compatible with Squamish's Official Community Plan.

The Kingswood Group developed the Kingswood Shaughnessy condominiums in Vancouver, and is also active in real estate investment, with a large portfolio of investment properties ranging from office and retail to industrial.

ksinoski@vancouversun.com