ROLLERWORD owners have vowed to 'build something great again' a year on from its closure.

Jason and Anne Khan, the owners of Rollerworld, sadly had to shut the Moorside venue on November 30 last year after a row over rent. 

Prior to the couple purchasing the business in 2018, the large leisure unit had been home to the business over the last 32 years.

A year on, the building owned by Petchey Holdings, is still on the market for £20,833 per calendar month, £250,000 a year.

Gazette: Team - Jason and Anne Khan pictured at Rollerworld ex-location with manager Ashley Team - Jason and Anne Khan pictured at Rollerworld ex-location with manager Ashley (Image: Newsquest)

However, Jason and Anne have continued to bring a bright spark of hope for the brand’s future.

Over the last year, Rollerworld has been revived with collaborative events held at Charter Hall, in Cowdray Avenue, and one in Ipswich.

The business has now entered a new chapter as the non-profit charitable organisation, the Rollerworld Foundation.

With the hopes of eventually finding a new home for ‘Rollerworld 2’, the organisation’s future and the resurgence of the much-loved rollerskating rink is looking far brighter and more likely.

Gazette: Ex-site - A photo of the currently vacant Moorside buildingEx-site - A photo of the currently vacant Moorside building (Image: Google Maps)

Jason and Anne have reflected on the year’s past events.

They said: “A year ago today we lost our beloved rink, and it affected hundreds of people.

“Our final day alone saw 1,500 people through the door but it had been busy like that for months.

“Many people got involved to help save Rollerworld; Sir Bob Russell, Martin Goss, Will Quince, Mayor Tim young, Pam Cox, David Abramson from cedar Dean, plus thousands of skaters, that is was one of the largest look east write ins ever. 

“Since the closure of Rollerworld, we have put on some brilliant events on at Charter Hall, Ipswich Inspire, and gained charity status too.

Gazette: Fun - A previous Rollerworld eventFun - A previous Rollerworld event (Image: Jason Khan)

“The Rollerworld Foundation will now move forward to build a community rink and will not be in the hands of a commercial landlord. 

“It’s been a tough year for everyone involved and to see internal photos of its current demolition state is a reminder that we can and will build something great again.“

To find out more about the foundation and for anyone who wishes to be involved with it should email skate@rollerworld.foundation.