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Some sports facilities located in the basement of Royalty Crossing Shopping Center will close this fall due to the start of redevelopment work.
The indoor tennis courts and swimming pool located at Spa Total Fitness Center in the basement of the shopping center will permanently close on September 1.
It was then that the mall owners were looking to make room for other developments in the property formerly known as Charlottetown Mall.
“The Royalty Crossing center is undergoing a major revitalization. New owners purchased the center in the spring of 2021, and we have already begun major renovations,” said property manager Tracey Barrett.
“Part of the center’s longevity plan is to simply change the scope and add more services and become a destination for islanders and shoppers.”
The mall owners plan to use the space for a larger food hall, family entertainment venues and offices.
Spa owner Colin Younker said while the development is a net positive for his business, the news is still bittersweet.
“Obviously it’s mixed emotions for us here at the Spa. We have a lot of members who use these facilities regularly, and we sympathize with members who will be moved in that direction,” he said.
“[The Spa has] here for over 40 years and we’re very proud to say that, you know, when it comes to sports and recreation facilities, it’s stood the test of time – but change and growth in any business is inevitable , and we’re looking forward to the next chapter.”
Closure of Prince Edward Island’s only indoor tennis courts
Meanwhile, some long-time users of these facilities said they were disappointed to close.
Bob Gollaher, president of Tennis PEI, said while he’s not surprised the tennis courts are closed, he doesn’t expect them to this fall.
The tennis courts are the only indoor courts on PEI. The facility hosts events during the winter, such as the Rogers Rookie Tournament
“We had no illusions that the tennis courts would be part of the [developer’s] long-term strategy, but we were surprised to learn yesterday that the closure would take place on September 1st. That doesn’t leave us much time to plan an alternative indoor tennis strategy,” Gollaher said.
“Obviously we won’t have anything available for this winter. Now we are developing some, we have a short-term plan, but it would still be difficult to have indoor facilities.”
Gollaher said the sports organization asked the mall if there was any flexibility in closing the tennis courts.
In the meantime, Tennis P.E.I. is considering installing domes on an existing outdoor court as an alternative.
The spa’s other facilities, such as its gym and squash courts, will remain open to the public once the tennis courts and swimming pool are closed.
In addition to planned new offerings, Royalty Crossing said it is also working on new renovations, upgrades and securing new retailers in vacant storefronts.
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