i-motion informed members it will close permanently following financial difficulties and unsuccessful lease negotiations
The £1.2m i-motion gym which opened in 2013 on Foundry Retail Park closed suddenly last Friday after being locked out of the premises by landlord due to issues surrounding lease of the building.
Earlier today Monday (18th September), i-motion Managing Director Rick Thompson released a statement confirming the closure “it is with great regret and a heavy heart that I announce the closure of the gym due to factors beyond my control. We here at i-Motion gym have done everything within our power to restructure and make the business profitable once again.”
“However, without notice and without even an answer regarding whether or not terms of lease could be renegotiated, the landlords decided to seize the property. These discussions were started by us several months ago, and they have been receiving rental payments. Even at this point, there is no comeback from the landlords, and they have been ignoring all my attempts of contact.”
“A combination of factors, including the COVID pandemic and the energy crisis, had made the business books difficult to navigate, and we were working on a number of solutions to resolve this.”
“Due to circumstances beyond my control, any kind of negotiation and restructure has become unattainable and unfortunately it appears they have had other plans for the site for some time and continued to string us along.
“We would like to thank each and every one of our members for their continued support throughout the years, through the good and the challenging. We would also like to thank the staff who have worked at the gym throughout the years. Together, you have all made i-Motion Gym the special place that it was with many fond memories for everyone involved. Many of you I have known for 10 years now, and I will miss seeing you on my trips to Rotherham.”
“Please cancel your DD instructions, and I wish you all the best with your health and happiness.”
In 2018, the gym entered financial difficulties and was bought out of administration after a deal was secured for a new operating company.
