Rollerworld Colchester 'could shut over landlord's demands'

The owners of Rollerworld, which has operated in Colchester for 32 years, says the business has "fallen victim" to its landlord Petchey Holdings.

They accuse their landlords of raising rent costs, failing to pay for repairs to the building's roof and putting up 'To Let' signs outside the attraction.

Rollerworld said: "Petchey Holdings have not offered Rollerworld any rental review terms that are close to reasonable, requiring nearly triple what [we] pay and taking 40 per cent of the car park.

"Their reasoning being to offer parking to the whole estate.

"Whilst this might look to be a good idea other tenants don’t want it.

"In reality this would mean heavy goods vehicles would be driving through the car park, potentially not seeing and knocking down excited children in their path.

"Rollerworld has asked the chief executive of Petchey Holdings for a face-to-face meeting to discuss matters, but has always been refused."

• READ MORE: Owners of town's iconic roller rink launch bid to save it from closing

The business added: "They then issued a ‘notice to quit' in July 2020 – three months into lockdown one.

"This takes effect from February 2023, 31 months into the lease and 19 months early."

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

Rollerworld struggled financially during the pandemic with losses of more than £5,000 every week whilst it remained closed.

Its owners Anne and Jason Khan launched a fundraising appeal to keep the business going.

They say the actions of their landlord has taken its toll on their mental and physical health, accusing the company of failing to negotiate.

• READ MORE: Former international roller hockey skater adds voice to appeal to save Rollerworld

Mr Khan said: "It has been so tough talking to these people, they border on rude and disrespectful in their conduct and communications sending us lawyer’s letters when they don’t get their way.

"We have acted nothing but politely and tried to get them to see this building shouldn’t be considered as just another way to make more huge profits.

"Instead they should be proud to say they own the building [which houses] Europe’s finest skating rink.

"Numerous times they demonstrate they just don’t care. When will it be enough for a business that has over £500 million in assets?"

The Gazette approached Petchey Holdings for comment, but did not receive a response at the time of going to press.

Anyone who wishes to reach out to Rollerworld to help can email save@rollerworld.co.uk.