Game over for sports hub

A POPULAR Eastern Shore sports centre will not reopen, with operators saying they can’t renew a long-term lease when there is so much coronavirus uncertainty.

Action Indoor Sports at Bellerive has been a hub for social sporting rosters for more than 20 years, with indoor cricket, soccer, netball and dodge ball among the centre’s offerings for children and adults.

The venue has also operated as Inflatable World on weekends and school holidays in recent years, with hundreds of children flocking there for playtime and birthday parties.

The two businesses have been managed by husband and wife team Adam and Angie Colgrave for the past six years.

The centre closed on March 17 due to COVID-19 restrictions, and announced on Thursday it wouldn’t reopen, which came as shocking and disappointing news to many sports lovers. But Ms Colgrave said there was simply too much uncertainty to commit to renewing a long-term lease.

She said the centre had received a lot of messages of support from loyal patrons.

“We’ve had a lot from players who unfortunately were of the expectation that everything would go back to normal [post-COVID],’’ Mrs Colgrave said. “There’s been a lot of disappointed people.’’

She said the centre also had many long-serving staff who were saddened by the announcement. The sport centre’s Facebook page was flooded with comments after announcing its closure.

“It’s devastating,” one fan wrote. “Absolutely heartbroken,’’ said another, as many reminisced over fond sporting memories from playing at the centre over the years.

The announcement came as a shock for patrons, who were eagerly waiting for matches to resume.

Only three weeks ago, the business posted an update on Facebook announcing that, due to the subsequent easing of restrictions, the centre could “now excitedly begin” to plan its reopening.

The Bellerive centre is part of a national chain of sports stadiums run by Action Indoor Sports. It is not yet known whether the centre will reopen in another location.

“Action Indoor Sports will evaluate over the coming months if the business can be relocated to another suitable venue in Tasmania,’’ an online statement said.

“But, as of today, we are no longer able to offer our sports competitions or Inflatable World.

“We wish to thank all our valued staff and customers for their years of support, and have been proud to be a part of people’s sporting lives.’’