A COLCHESTER roller-skating brand which closed its iconic rink after more than three decades is set to enter a new chapter... as a charity.
On Saturday, Rollerworld owners Anne and Jason Khan held a retro-themed reunion event at Charter Hall, in Cowdray Avenue, where they promised to make a big announcement.
Those who gathered at the venue were told about the newly established Rollerworld Foundation - the couple's new charity venture which aims to bring back skating to the community.
The non-profit will strive to promote the participation of skating sports in the city and protect and safeguard the future of the Rollerworld brand and what it stands for.
The foundation already has trustees including former MP Sir Bob Russell and ex-international roller hockey player, Faye Wilson.
Anne, who is a trustee of the charity while Jason is acting chairman, said: “So, we decided the best way to go forward with Rollerworld after closing it and to enable us to carry on in the future, was to start up a charity.
“We didn’t have the money to rebuild Rollerworld the way we wanted to, as it was so amazing.
“So we wanted to set Rollerworld in stone for the community - it will be owned and run by the community, and it will never be in danger again.”
Rollerworld's famous rink, based in Moorside, closed its doors for good last November after being a staple of the city for 32 years due to rising rental costs.
After a year of uncertainty, Anne and Jason received the seal of approval from the Government’s Charity Commission in the third week of October after a rigorous due diligence check.
As a charity, however, Jason hopes it will be easier to secure grants, donations and support from the likes Colchester Council, which could one day result in the return of Rollerworld as a skating rink.
Jason “found in the past” anytime Rollerworld would receive support from councils or organisations, “some people” would bring up the fact they were a limited company.
"We’re hoping for a lot of support," he added.
"When we were forced to close in November last year, so many people said they wanted to help, and we just weren’t comfortable receiving donations as we weren’t set up - we didn’t have anything tangible to give back to them.”
According to Anne, the next step for the charity will be to “find land or a premise, then apply for grants and funding” as way to work towards building a new venue for "Rollerworld 2".
Sir Bob said: “I am so honoured to be involved with the our new charity the Rollerworld Foundation, the ultimate objective to bring Rollerworld 2 just got a great deal closer.
Jason is also feeling extremely positive about the future.
He said: “I think it’s going to be a challenge but things have got so much closer now the foundation is active.
“We have been looking more seriously now, although sourcing funding can be difficult, and contrary to what people may say, we lost a lot a money.
“It’s difficult for us to invest a fortune but we do have the skills, passion, Rollerworld rink, to be able to restart.
“There is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel, we are really confident.”
Anyone who wishes to be involved with the foundation should email skate@rollerworld.foundation.
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