Jump In trampoline park in Tonbridge to close unless new venue can be found
12:06, 12 February 2020
updated: 18:43, 12 February 2020
More than 60 jobs and multiple businesses could be under threat if a trampoline park can't find a suitable new venue.
Jump In, in Morley Road, Tonbridge, is appealing for landlords to come forward informing them of available spaces in a bid to keep it in the town.
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The family attraction has been forced to move out of its current location on Sunday, May 31, to make way for the large alcoholic drinks company ATOM Group which occupies both neighbouring units.
Gavin Lucas, founder and CEO, said: "It is likely that we will be leaving Tonbridge in a few months if a local site is not secured.
"We will do what we can to retain a presence but time is running out to find a solution in the immediate local area."
The future of businesses and groups that run classes out of the park are also under threat, including Razzamataz Theatre School which has been hiring the space for two years.
Nicola Holmes, founder of Willow Yoga classes, said: "I have been hiring one of the party rooms upstairs to run my yoga classes, four or five days a week for two years.
"This represents around 90% of my classes and without a room I no longer have a business."
As well as providing a fun place for families to visit, it has become a special resource for children and young people with disabilities and special needs with its popular SEN and Rebound Therapy sessions.
The classes encourage children with autism or heightened sensory needs to explore unassisted play with their families and carers in a safe environment.
Camilla Gould, of Meadows School in Southborough, said: "Our pupils have various diagnoses and have suffered adverse childhood experiences and have found it difficult to cope in mainstream settings.
"They visit Jump In during school time as a way to relax, have fun, practice and improve their communication and interaction skills.
"They are sorely disappointed that this facility is closing."
One regular visitor who will be left disappointed with the possible closure is 25-year-old Tom Perry, who volunteers there.
His mother, Susan, said working at Jump In made her son, who has autism, feel part of society.
She said: "This has given him an opportunity he might not have otherwise had. It normalises him."
Any property owners in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells who may have suitable 20-35,000 square feet space available as asked to contact hello@gojumpin.com
