AN historic roller skating rink is to remain closed despite owners agreeing to a £150,000 rent increase and pleading for a longer period of negotiation.
Rollerworld, in Moorside, Colchester, shut its doors on November 30 after hundreds of skaters took to the venue’s hardwood flooring for one final time.
Jason and Anne Khan, who took over the business in 2018, had become embroiled in a lengthy dispute with Petchey Holdings over the landlord’s new lease demands.
In order for a new contract to even be considered, the couple were told they would have to agree to an eye-watering rent increase from £100,000 to £250,000.
READ MORE: 'I don't want to lose my family' - Rollerworld workers left broken-hearted by closure
The property firm is also understood to have asked them to hand over control of more than 40 per cent of the car park – something they were never willing to do.
In a letter sent from Jason and Anne to Petchey Holdings on November 28, exclusively seen by the Gazette, Jason and Anne accepted the rent hike.
They also asked for three further months to negotiate the terms of a new 15 year lease in a desperate last minute bid to save Rollerworld.
In the document Jason says: “We have unquestionably demonstrated and proven over the last few years the strength of our covenant with you and as a tenant.
“Our humbling relationship with all media and community has shown what huge support and passion they have for not only Rollerworld but Anne and I as people.
“We both and all feel saddened by this for Rollerworld but comforted by so many that we have done our utmost to save Rollerworld at our current location.”
READ MORE: Rollerworld bosses accept landlord's rent demands in last ditch attempt to save venue
Despite Jason and Anne’s last ditch effort and price-matching offer, however, bosses at Petchey Holdings refused to accept, signalling the definitive closure of Rollerworld.
Anne added: “Unfortunately, it was a resounding no and they are not willing to give us three months extra for lease agreements.
“We cannot run Rollerworld with 50 per cent less carpark which has a road put through it - we are not willing to put our customers and their children at risk.
“In order to make the extra £150,000, we would need more carpark to accommodate more people in the venue. This is an extremely sad time for us and our staff.”
Landlords Petchey Holdings previously told the Gazette they had been in negotiations with Jason for more than two years.
A spokesman said: "We have had numerous meetings with him, and more latterly his advisors.
"We’ve also previously offered him terms for a new lease below the market rate."
Petchey Holdings has been contacted for comment.
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