ONE of Colchester’s longest standing attractions is to change hands after 28 years.

Andy Starr is stepping down as managing director of Rollerworld, passing the skates on to Extreme Sports company - Demon Xtreme.

Demon Xtreme, which became well known for bringing the much-loved ice slide to Colchester last Christmas, has bought the iconic roller skating venue at Eastgate Industrial Estate.

The Demon Xtreme store will move from Cowdray Avenue to be a part of Rollerworld.

Mr Starr has seen many achievements in his time, including hosting the UK National Artistic Roller Skating Championships seven times, and being named this year’s World Skating Rink Operator.

He created the long-standing attraction in 1990 and resisted selling the venue before approaching Demon Xtreme as part of a thought-out succession plan.

Mr Starr said: “It’s been part of my heart and soul for a long time and I’ve enjoyed the journey along the way.

“It was important to me to see succession take place and the only people I could imagine sharing my vision and future of progression with are Jason and Anne at Demon Xtreme.

“[Their] connections within the skating industry will ensure this much-loved venue is in safe hands and has an exciting future.”

Rollerworld boasts an Olympic standard floor, laser tag arena, amusement arcade, cafe and bar.

Jason Khan, founder of Demon Xtreme, said: “We are unbelievably excited and humbled to be taking over as business people, skaters and coaches ourselves.

“We truly feel there is so much potential and we want to thank Andy for allowing us the opportunity to take this on.

“Our ambition is to see the venue transformed into a more social space, where guests can not only skate but be involved in skate sports or play Quasar, and also watch performers and international sporting events.”

The family has big plans for the rink. Jason added: “We envisage it as a community hub where extreme sports will thrive.

“Colchester has so much to offer and we see our industry worldwide travelling to use what are very special and unique facilities.”

The next year will see a new mezzanine floor, updated café and bar area, organised Quasar events tables and tournament nights, plus an expanded arcade area.