Popular Inflatable Park Locked Out Overnight as Tesco Pulls a Fast One
A beloved inflatable leisure hotspot at Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, has been suddenly shut down after Tesco changed the locks overnight. Cloud 9, a buzzing community favourite since April 2022, left families and staff stunned and furious. The park, famed for its ninja warrior courses, birthday bashes, and live entertainment, closed just days into the half-term break, spoiling holiday plans for hundreds.
Emotional CEO Hits Out at ‘Heartless’ Tesco
Cloud 9’s CEO Andrew didn’t hold back. In a raw post on the company website, he revealed he was “in shock, in tears, angry, so sad, sick.” He blasted Tesco for their “heartless” action and slammed the total lack of any chance to renegotiate after months of financial strain.
Lease Nightmare Behind Sudden Shutdown
The closure stems from a messy dispute involving Tesco, property managers Schroders, and original leaseholder Empire Cinemas, which went bust earlier this year. Once Empire folded, Cloud 9 was forced to deal with Tesco directly, who demanded full rent and service charges plus an alleged £1 million in unpaid arrears – a figure Andrew claims was never properly explained.
- On April 4, Tesco’s agent offered a two-month lease extension for £100,000 – triple the usual monthly rent.
- Despite desperate pleas, talks collapsed.
- On April 16, Tesco changed the locks without warning.
Tesco Fires Back
“We have been in ongoing discussions with Cloud 9 and have offered various options to help manage the arrears. Unfortunately, a resolution could not be reached, and we are now working to identify a new operator to continue offering leisure facilities at the site,” a Tesco spokesperson said.
Community Outraged as Families Lose Favourite Venue
Parents and locals took to social media fuming at the sudden shutdown. One Facebook user moaned, “My son’s birthday party was booked for this weekend – this is absolutely heartbreaking. Cloud 9 was a fantastic space for families.” Another added, “This wasn’t just a business, it was part of our community. The way this has been handled is appalling.”
What’s Next for Cloud 9?
Andrew remains hopeful, searching for investors or a new site to bring Cloud 9 back to life. Meanwhile, customers with bookings are urged to check the company website for refunds and updates. Tesco says it is on the hunt for a new leisure operator but has not revealed any details or timelines.
This saga shines a harsh light on the struggles faced by small businesses caught in commercial lease battles, especially as they fight to survive the post-pandemic slump.
