CANTERBURY AMALGAMATES WITH PUNCHBOWL CLUB
Late last year Canterbury Members were asked to vote on the amalgamation of Canterbury Bankstown Tennis & Bowls Club located in Punchbowl.
Members voted for the amalgamation and in December 2016, Liquor and Gaming NSW approved the decision.
As part of the agreement, Canterbury has committed to $1 million plus funding for core activities to upgrade the tennis and bowling facilities, refurbish internal areas and beautify the external areas of the Club. Canterbury will apply for a Development Application (DA) to conduct the works including building a new outdoor lounge. The Club will continue to trade as per normal throughout the process.
So far approximately $100,000 has been spent to rejuvenate the bowling greens, install security cameras around the premises, conduct general maintenance and repair a damaged ceiling to secure the comfort of Members and guests within the Club.
“The Tennis & Bowls Club approached us with the idea of amalgamating because they can see that Canterbury has a successful business model that they wish to see replicated. We are happy to share our knowledge, experience, resources and professionalism with Punchbowl and see that business grow too,” said Dave Brace, CEO of Canterbury League Club.
One of the first steps in the new year will be to engage an architect to draw the internal and external redesign which will include new paint works and carpets, updating the bar and putting in new furniture. Also, as part of the process, the Canterbury Board and senior management team will review and assess the business and make amendments to streamline operations.
“There is a lot of potential to expand the Punchbowl club especially in growing its junior tennis development program which currently has a healthy membership base. Our junior tennis players, lawn bowlers, Members and guests will be able to enjoy the benefits of these improvements and it will greatly add to their overall positive experience when they visit the Club,” said Dave Brace.