Aligned Leisure – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Richmond Football Club - has successfully tendered for the management rights of the Eltham Leisure Centre in Nillumbik Shire.
Aligned Leisure – which currently operate Cardinia Shire’s major aquatic and recreation facilities - will commence management of the Eltham facility on July 1.
“We see this as a partnership with the community of Nillumbik Shire and we look forward to delivering them a great facility and service, in conjunction with the Shire Council,” Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said.
“This is a well-established facility that is undergoing a major upgrade and when completed it will be better placed than ever to meet community needs."
Gale said it was another important step forward for the Club.
“As with our facility management in the Shire of Cardinia, this partnership goes well beyond simply managing a facility. A major focus will be delivering programs and services that will support the broader community, and support the health and wellbeing plans of the local council.”
Nillumbik Shire Mayor, Councillor Peter Clarke said, "Aligned Leisure’s submission evidenced that not only could they provide the level of service we need to ensure that our new aquatic and fitness centre meets its business goals, but they will help Council to achieve some broader health and wellbeing targets across the Shire.
"We look forward to working with Aligned Leisure into the future including the roll out of programs that will result in the health and wellbeing of our residents improving along the way."
Gale said the Aligned Leisure business was strategically important for the future growth of the Club.
“The Board and management identified the importance of growing our business independent of football and the club’s Managing Director of Aligned Leisure Cain Liddle has led the development of this business stream,” Gale said.
“Aligned Leisure continues to become an increasingly significant part of our business and, importantly, there is potential for further growth.”
“Not only does it deliver health and fitness outcomes – which aligns with a core element of our football program – but it has important implications from a fan development, commercial and consumer perspective as well.”
The Eltham Leisure Centre is located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. The facility is currently undergoing a major upgrade. The redeveloped facility will have an indoor lap pool, warm water pool, leisure pool (with adjoining learn to swim pool), an outdoor water play area as well as spa, sauna and steam facilities.
To complement the brand new aquatic facilities, Aligned Leisure will be replacing almost every piece of equipment with brand new state-of-the-art health club equipment. This is expected to be in place by the time the redevelopment is completed.
The Centre also has a 700sqm health club, a range of program and group fitness spaces, a two-court multi-purpose sports stadium, café area and a childcare facility.
