Businesses operating out of Ignite Studios evicted

Eviction notices have been served to several businesses based in Guernsey's Ignite Studios to leave in the new year.

The former Guernsey Bowl site was sold for just under £2.5m and the now leisure facility for self-employed instructors was founded in May 2024. The BBC understands between eight and 10 businesses use the facilities.

Those given notices include JackalBoxFit Limited, Lighthouse Adventure Fitness, the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy and ((Bounce)). In an email to customers, Anytime Fitness said it was unaffected by the changes.

Ignite Studios declined to comment but confirmed an eviction date for affected businesses of 9 January.

In letters to businesses operating out of the premises seen by the BBC, the company said: "We have been formally notified that our landlord has required the surrender of our headlease and has insisted upon full and vacant possession of the premises.

"As a consequence, and notwithstanding our best efforts to avoid this outcome, our leasehold interest will be coming to an end."

Ignite Studios said it was acting on behalf of the building's owners, who the BBC is trying to identify.

JackalBoxFit has worked out of the premises for about two years and has just over 100 members, but was served notice this week.

Owner Jimmy Lesbirel said: "I'm a little bit disappointed because I believe I've worked so hard I've got the business to a really good level.

He added: "I've actually been amazed and felt a bit of love really from my clients."

His clients and people he knew had have come together to find places to put equipment including weights and the boxing ring into storage.

Mr Lesbirel said he was looking at new premises but had not managed to fully secure anything yet.

He said: "I've had a few conversations for a few places but nothing's guaranteed at the moment, so everything's risky. But what isn't risky."

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