Rollerworld Colchester to host event in Charter Hall

The iconic rollerskating brand, which closed its Moorside site on November 30, will be taking over Charter Hall in Cowdray Avenue on April 22.

Over the course of the almost 11-hour event DJs will drop beats against a backdrop of smoke and lasers.

The fun-filled day will also feature the familiar faces of previous stewarding staff, as well as a Demon Xtreme onsite shop and refreshments.

Fresh hope - Jason and Anne Khan with son and Rollerworld manager Ashley (Image: Newsquest)

The takeover comes after heartbroken owners Jason and Anne Khan closed down Rollerworld after 32 years amid a bitter rent dispute.

Landlord Petchey Holdings is reported to have wanted to increase the rent on the building from £100,000 per year to £250,000.

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Bosses at the company previously told the Gazette they considered the terms for the new lease to be “below the market rate.”

The married duo, who acquired the rink in 2018, said it is a “bittersweet” feeling to be giving Colchester residents the chance to get their skates on once more.

Goodbye - skaters turned out en masse to say goodbye to Rollerworld when it closed last November (Image: Rollerworld)

Anne said: “We feel a little bit nervous as we want it to be busy with people back in a happy place but ultimately it is not Rollerworld.”

Jason added: “We are doing everything we can to make it as close to Rollerworld as we can.

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“It has been heartwarming to see how much support we have had. There was a massive demand for something like this.

“I am excited but it is bittersweet because it is not Rollerworld.”

New event - the Khan family at Rollerworld in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Jason and Anne have now revealed they will consider “taking Rollerworld on the road” with similar events if their occasion Back in the Skate of Things this month is a success.

“People think it was just a skating rink but it was a massive community for a lot of people,” said Jason.

“For mental and physical health it was just unmatched. Rollerskating gave people a reason to get away from the TV and get moving.”

Tickets for the event on April 22 are now on sale and can be found at bit.ly/42YgTjp.

It will run from 12pm to 6pm before an over-14s event will kick off from 7pm until 10.45pm.

Entry and skating is £10 while an early bird offer is running until Sunday.

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