A popular indoor play centre in South Gloucestershire faces closure after organisers announced the devastating news via social media this week.
Little Giggles Soft Play, which is located at Riverside Retail Park in Yate, has survived the last few years through hard work and determination after a number of financial setbacks. Before the pandemic, the business “defaulted” on its tenancy lease and when asked to sign a new agreement, it was “not physically possible” because it was “loss-making”.
Manager Laurie Coventry said: “We absolutely love what we do but it hasn’t always been an easy ride.” He claims the landlord tried to enforce a “£50,000 personal guarantee” which the establishment could not afford at the time because it was "struggling" but he decided to “enter the tenancy at will”.
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For many businesses Covid-19 was a detriment however, Mr Coventry said it “saved” the business after receiving a requested bounceback loan of £50,000 in 2020. The investment help the organisation develop its facilities to include an LED dance floor which has become a “core” centre for sessions run at the centre. It has also allowed the venue to add another profitable revenue stream such as hiring out its cafe for adult functions.
Mr Coventry claims that after the lockdown he spoke openly to the landlord by admitting the business had not always been “the best tenants” but had made “brilliant changes”. He then requested 12 months to “prove” the changes were paying off before renegotiating the debt the business had accumulated during the lockdown.
After 16 months Little Giggles appeared to thrive again after paying off any outstanding debts. But despite the hard work, the business was recently slapped with a “cease trading” notice and given just “seven days” to vacate the premises.
The "horrific" news send waves throughout the business and the community but Mr Coventry decided the vital service was needed by its customers and continued business as usual. The landlord has now been given until November 15 for the business to leave after an extension was negotiated.
He said: “It’s just a really, really hard thing to hear when we have got to the stage where we are doing everything right. For us, it was not always about the money, we battled this hard because we love what we do. We not only provide a service to Yate but also to the wider community including Bath and Bristol.
“We are heavily focused on the sensory elements of the soft play which is perfect for any children who are diagnosed as part of the SEND additional needs. "e are a favourite of families with autistic children."
Mr Coventry hopes enough support from members of the public will enable the landlord to see there is a need for soft play and its effect on have on the wider community if it ceased to exist.
"After years of struggling, fighting and learning from mistakes, we finally have our finished version which is profitable, making money, making memories and is a real asset to the local community. I hope the landlord will listen to reason and agree on a new lease as there are families who travel up to an hour to come and see us," he added.
Bristol Live have approached Cushman & Wakefield, a managing company on behalf of Magnetar Capital for comments.
A petition has now been launched by its customers and has already gained more than 4,000 signatures to save the much-loved soft play. Click here for more information.
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