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Long-time Richmond gym forced to close after sudden lease termination

Sport Central said the new management team told the company the building will be put up for sale
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Sport Central in Northeast Richmond was closed on May 1. Photo: Sport Central website

A gym where many Richmond residents have gone to work out for more than a decade recently announced its permanent closure.

C&T Athletic Centre (DBA) Sport Central in Northeast Richmond, a 24/7 gym providing exercise facilities and sports venues, announced on May 1 that it had to close its business permanently effective the same day because the new property owner terminated their lease.

"We are sad to announce that [we] have just received a letter from the property owners that they are terminating our lease, and we must exit and leave the premises with only one-month notice to be fully vacated off the property no later than May 31," wrote the company in a letter to its customers on May 1.

"To give Sports Central enough time to close the business, we will be closing the doors [on] May 1."

The company said it signed the lease nearly four years ago with the original owner, but he suddenly passed away.

"He was a very sincere and supportive owner who wanted Sport Central to always remain open to the community. Soon after his passing, everything changed," said the company in the letter.

The new management group told the owner of the gym the property was to be put up for sale and they had to leave the location, despite constant negotiations from the gym to keep it open and running, according to Sports Central.

"Unfortunately, we are now in a position where we must close the business," said the company.

Sport Central said it will be selling the equipment and fulfilling other financial obligations, and then looking into ways to reimburse members.

The company encourages customers to contact them by email or on Instagram and provide their information so they can be reimbursed. 

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