The gym, pool, chartroom and ballroom at Gurnard Pines have been closed indefinitely.
Staff found themselves locked out this morning (Monday) and some customers say their direct debits have been cancelled.
Payment arrears
GUPI Properties Limited say the situation has arisen “due to non-payment of rent, insurance and utilities”.
However, it is anticipated the centre will reopen at the beginning of March, following a month of improvements and repairs.
GUPI: Many unforeseeable factors
GUPI issued the following statement this morning:
“Today, 30th January 2023, we can confirm that GUPI Properties Limited has forfeited the lease in respect of the Central Complex at Gurnard Pines held by The Cowes Club (IOW) limited, due to non-payment of rent, insurance and utilities. GUPI Properties Limited has taken possession of the building and changed all locks.
“The management team of GUPI Properties Limited appreciates that there has been many unforeseeable factors that have affected the current leaseholder’s ability to make the business succeed such as Covid, utility prices and the cost of living crisis.”
Trading ceased with immediate effect
John Ward of Fitness at Gurnard shared the following message with some of his customers,
Unfortunately the landlord has closed the building and changed the locks.
This means my company will no longer be able to trade so will cease with immediate effect.
I want to thank you all for the last 7 years and the support you have given myself and the club and wish you good luck in wherever you decide to train in the future.
Kind regards, John – Fitness at Gurnard
GUPI: We can make this centre thrive once more
The GUPI statement went on to say,
“GUPI Properties Limited is in a strong financial position and believe, with the local community’s support we can make this centre thrive once more.
“We will be looking at the current use of the space within the building and are considering how the use of the Ballroom and Chartroom can reach its full potential, allowing events such as weddings and parties to take place in the future.
“We are committed to ensuring all staff are offered employment where possible and that funds are made available for improvements and repairs to the building.”
Bar and restaurant open as usual
The Pavilion (Bar and Restaurant at the rear of the building) is open for business as usual and the owners say they “would really appreciate the extra support whilst the main centre is closed”.
A spokesperson from GUPI added,
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that today’s events have caused, but are confident that going forward with all your support this will be a great success.”
Swimming school: No one will lose any pre-paid lesson fees
Melissa and Paul from Elite School of Swimming shared the following message with their customers
“It has been brought to our attention that the complex at Gurnard Pines has been closed this morning which will mean we will have to cancel our swimming lessons today.
“Please can we ask that you allow us time to review the full situation. It will not be possible to reply to you all individually due to the volume of parents/carers contacting us.
“As soon as we have all the information we will update you. We would like to reassure you that Elite School of Swimming (IW) Ltd is financially solvent and no one will lose any pre-paid lesson fees.
“We would like to thank you in advance for your support.”
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
