Derby Bounce Centre to Close Amid Car Park Dispute

Published: 28 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A popular indoor inflatable play centre in Derby, Jumpin Fun, has announced it will close permanently, citing the negative impact of a long-running car park controversy on its business. The closure follows years of difficulties linked to a nearby car park operated by Excel Parking in Siddals Road, whose contentious five-minute payment rule has deterred customers and caused repeated public disputes.

The car park first came under scrutiny after its requirement that drivers pay within five minutes of arrival was legally challenged and eventually overturned. However, Jumpin Fun, located adjacent to the facility, said the ongoing issues had “sadly impacted the site’s trade and made it increasingly difficult to continue operating,” ultimately forcing the decision to close.

Among those affected by the car park’s strict policy was Rosey Hudson, who faced legal action for failing to pay within the five-minute window, resulting in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). The case gained national attention and drew criticism from local MPs, one of whom labelled the charges a “five-minute rip-off.” Following media coverage and public outcry, the claim against Hudson was dropped in December 2024.

Despite the legal victories of some motorists, the controversy continued to cast a shadow over the venue. Numerous other drivers contacted the BBC to report being threatened with similar legal action for minor infractions, highlighting the ongoing problems caused by the stringent time restrictions. In August, Excel Parking paid more than £10,000 to charity after losing a second court case against a woman in Darlington who successfully challenged a PCN issued under the same rule.

Earlier this year, the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel introduced a new code of practice intended to protect motorists from unfair enforcement. The guidelines stipulate that drivers facing genuine difficulties in paying within a short timeframe should be treated fairly, an effort to prevent situations like the one that contributed to Jumpin Fun’s decline.

Nikola Slovakova, manager of Jumpin Fun, explained the lasting consequences for the business. “The car parking situation has massively impacted our trade and sales. It has put a massive strain on our business over the years. Unfortunately we can’t withstand it any more,” she said. Slovakova emphasised that customers often associate the controversial parking rules and fines directly with the play centre, which has led to a loss of repeat visitors.

“They [customers] associate the parking situation and fines with us and they are unlikely to return because they don’t want to risk receiving another parking fine,” Slovakova added. She expressed her regret that, despite the centre’s popularity, there are no alternative suitable buildings in Derby where the business could continue operating. “We would love to stay in the community if the situation allowed, but at the moment there are no buildings that are suitable for what we do,” she explained.

In a heartfelt Facebook post announcing the closure, Jumpin Fun thanked its customers for years of support. The centre expressed gratitude to “every single customer who has bounced, laughed, and celebrated with us over the years,” highlighting the strong bond between the venue and local families.

The closure has provoked strong reactions from parents who frequented the centre. Jodie Ashbourne, who visited Jumpin Fun with her ten-year-old and eight-year-old children, described the news as “a shock really, because I thought it was amazing.” She noted that her youngest son, who has special needs, had enjoyed his experience. “He’s just had the best time ever really. This is the first time I’ve been, I thought it was really good. I was thinking of coming again,” she said.

Norman Blake, who regularly takes his five-year-old daughter to the venue, also expressed disappointment. “It’s a shame. She loves it here. If it’s due to the parking, it’s a shame. She just likes the bouncing castle. It’s less to take your kids to do that’s local. Hopefully they can sort something out with the parking,” he said, echoing concerns shared by many local families who relied on the facility for weekend entertainment.

Helen Johnson, a mother of two, similarly emphasised the impact on children. “They’ll be very upset because they really do love it here. There aren’t many places that suit a three-year-old and a nine-year-old, so finding places to take them together is a bit tricky. They will be disappointed,” she said, highlighting the limited options available for families with children of differing ages.

Jumpin Fun has been a staple of Derby’s family leisure scene for years, offering indoor play equipment, inflatable castles, and themed activity areas that have made it a go-to destination for children’s parties and weekend outings. Its closure is likely to leave a noticeable gap in local entertainment options, particularly during school holidays when demand for child-friendly activities peaks.

The car park controversy has brought wider attention to the challenges posed by private parking enforcement around leisure facilities. While operators argue that strict rules are necessary to ensure turnover and manage space, critics have pointed out that overly punitive policies can have unintended consequences, including driving away customers and damaging the businesses they intend to support.

Legal experts note that parking disputes in the UK have increased significantly in recent years, with motorists frequently challenging PCNs issued by private companies. Courts have occasionally sided with drivers, particularly in cases where signage was unclear or payment windows were unreasonably short. The Jumpin Fun case exemplifies the potential for conflict when business operations are closely intertwined with third-party parking providers.

Slovakova expressed hope that her experience might serve as a cautionary tale for other business owners. “While we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close, we hope that it raises awareness about how car park policies can affect local businesses. Hopefully, other operators can learn from what happened here,” she said.

Despite the closure, the legacy of Jumpin Fun will remain in the memories of the children and families who visited. For many local residents, the centre was more than just a place to play; it was a community hub where milestones were celebrated and friendships formed.

As Derby braces for the centre’s permanent closure, parents are left weighing alternative activities for their children. The council has yet to comment on whether measures will be introduced to support local family leisure options or provide alternative play facilities in the area. Meanwhile, the conversation around fair parking practices continues, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of balancing enforcement with community interests.

In reflecting on the closure, Slovakova said, “It’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye to something that has brought so much joy to so many families. We will always cherish the memories and the laughter shared here.” Her words underscore the emotional weight of the decision and the broader impact of policy decisions on small businesses and the communities they serve.

The story of Jumpin Fun serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor regulatory or operational issues—such as a car park’s five-minute payment rule—can have profound consequences for businesses, families, and local communities. As Derby residents prepare to bid farewell to a beloved institution, questions linger about how better collaboration and fairer practices might prevent similar closures in the future.