By PAUL MILLAR
A POPULAR health club in the heart of the city has been forced to shut down after the landlord locked the doors, claiming the tenants owed thousands of dollars in rent.
Stunned members became aware of the problem when they arrived at the impressive Corio Street facility, confronting a sign saying “closed until further notice”.
“I sincerely regret to advise that, due to financial difficulties, the gym is closed until further notice,” a poster told members on behalf of the club chief executive Robyn Reimers.
She said on her Facebook page that the owners had taken over the premises on Monday night.
“I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for what has happened at the gym tonight,” she said.
“We fell behind on last month with rent, and we’re working to rectify it.”
A notice on the window of the gym said that Club Exec was “in breach of the lease in failing to pay rent, outgoings, GST and legal costs totalling $13,699.38”.
The club, according to the notice, had been given two weeks to make good the arrears. That deadline was Monday.
“Take notice that we require Club Exec Pty Ltd to quit possession and deliver up the premises forthwith on 21 September,” said the notification, on behalf of the managing agent.
Ms Reimers, who is also listed as the club managing director, said: “I will hit the cancel button on the memberships that are direct debited, and I will be available to chat to anyone who wants to contact me.
“I will endeavour to do whatever I can to ensure money goes back to clients.
“I deeply apologise, and do not know what else to say,” she said.
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