BUSINESS leaders have spoken of their shock and sadness after a popular indoor attraction closed suddenly.
Owners of Sharky's Fun Factory on Albany Road on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth said it is with "great sadness" the attraction had to shut.
No reason was given for the closure of the children's play centre, which will lead to a number of job losses.
It is thought that rising costs may be to blame, however.
The family business has been a part of Weymouth for decades.
It was originally based at the harbourside and was run by Tony and Sally Harris when it also included the Deep Sea Adventure museum.
Brothers-in-law, Keith Rupp and Jason Seale purchased Sharky’s in 2007, when the play centre was the only indoor soft play facility in Weymouth.
It moved to the Granby in 2017.
READ MORE: Weymouth soft play area Sharky's Fun Factory closes suddenly
It included a café and a huge soft play area.
The sudden closure comes two weeks after the business announced it would close temporarily for "internal works".
It is not known if this is linked to the closure.
Owners have reassured customers that all deposits paid on bookings will be refunded in full.
In a statement, the owners said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Sharky's Fun Factory has officially closed.
"We have tried so hard over the last six months to get through it but times have been so hard that we cannot continue.
"We apologise to anyone who has booked a party with us and can assure you that all deposits paid will be refunded in full.
"If anyone has a deposit to be refunded please email us at info@funfactoryweymouth.co.uk and we will process that as soon as possible.
"We would like to thank all of our loyal customers over the years for your support."
Business leaders reacted to the "sad news" of the closure.
Paul Appleby, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am saddened to hear about the closure.
"It was always a popular all-weather attraction for locals and tourists alike.
"I would love to see more all-weather attractions in Weymouth and Portland, so it is a big loss.
"It is sad to see such a long-running business in the town have to close."
Mickey Jones is the chief executive of DJ Property which owns part of the Granby Industrial Estate including Sharky's Fun Factory.
Mr Jones said: "They are one of our customers.
"It is a sad day.
"They are a long-standing family business and have been a popular attraction in the town for many years.
"I believe cost increases would have led to the closure, the constant advances in the minimum wage, rising insurance costs, business rates and utility costs.
"I know the proprietor Jason well.
"He won't have taken the decision lightly, he will have explored every possible avenue to keep it open.
"It is like a perfect storm coming together of a number of factors which they had no control over.
"I feel sorry for them and for their customers as well."
A parent said: “I’m shocked and saddened by this news.
“It’s the only big soft play centre in the area and an ideal place to take the children – especially when it’s wet. Weymouth has beautiful parks and gardens and there’s the beach of course but when the weather is poor the options are limited.
“It was a real shame when it moved out of town but we got used to it being at the Granby. It was a brilliant place for children’s parties too.
“A lot of people will be shocked by this – especially just ahead of the summer holidays when you’re thinking of places to take the children.
“I feel really sorry for the staff who will be losing their jobs; they always seemed nice.”
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