A family-run soft play centre in Harold Hill has closed after a rent hike by Havering Council.

Located at MyPlace in Dagnam Park Drive, Frankie’s Soft Play & Café shut for the final time on Saturday (July 29).

It had offered leisure services to young children since 2017.

Owner Chris Andrews, 39, who operated it with his sister and parents, had told the Recorder in June that his family had invested about £25,000 into the business when they were given the tender by the council.

They had since paid the rent initially agreed with the council but Chris said, about six months ago, the council expressed their intent to increase it.

The new rent, Chris had said, was not commercially viable for their business that he claimed was more of a service to the community and “did not make a lot of money”.

Read More: McDowell’s Pie and Mash in Romford set for closure

A council spokesperson previously said the authority was “in a position where it needs to ensure that the lease of properties are viable.”

They said: “We are no longer able to sustain the previous rates we offered in 2017, when the contract was made for 12 months.”

Chris said that he had sent a letter to the council leader, Ray Morgon, asking questions about their initial investment and the future of the site.

He claimed he did not receive any response to it and had to eventually shut down.

On a social media post, the team thanked all their loyal customers and said they were “absolutely devastated” they were having to close. 

They said the facility was “much needed” for families with young children and felt the venue “wasn’t important” to the council.

Reacting to the news, some regulars said their kids are “going to miss it very much”.

One commenter, Hannah Short, wrote: “Oh goodness, we’ll be so sad to see you go.

“Wishing you all the best on your next adventure. Thank you for many years of wonderful memories for me and the kids.”

After closing the soft play venue, Chris and his family have opened a new tearoom at Thames Chase Community Forest in Pike Lane in Upminster.

The Forest Centre Tea Room launched on Monday (July 31), offering an array of food and hot drinks.


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