Newsletters

After a two year search the MWGC Committee can confirm we have found a new home for the MWGC! The great news is that the club has grown exponentially over the last three years with approximately 1200 children and young adults attending activities every week (over 50,000 visits p.a.!). The key issue is we have outgrown our existing premises necessitating waiting lists, tight scheduling of classes and sub-optimal amenities, administration and parent viewing areas. In 2010 the MWGC Committee agreed the club needed to look to the future and begin a search for new premises that met a strict set of criteria.

After an extensive search we can confirm we have found a fantastic new location that not only meets but exceeds all criteria (location, size, cost, amenities etc.). The truly exciting part is the new building will enable us to expand and upgrade all elements of the already highly successful gymnastics programme in a more comfortable & spacious environment. Elements proposed to be incorporated into the new building include:

Doubling the size of the existing building from 1200m2 to 2780m2. This enables the expansion of existing recreational & competitive gymnastics programmes and the establishment of new classes and complementary activities e.g. classes designed for kids with disabilities, competitive tumbling and trampolining programmes. Initial estimates are that we will be able to cater for an additional 500-750 kids per week.

Additional new facilities including: two competitive floor areas, two dedicated vault runs, a mega "pit" and extensive tumbling and trampolining facilities.

A large elevated stadium style seating area to view activities.

A consolidated and significantly improved reception & administration area.

A dedicated staff room.

Dedicated kids party room.

A separate outdoor BBQ/entertaining deck/area.

The ability to run NSW Gymnastics sanctioned competitions.

Ample dedicated parking.

Initial discussions with several potential sub-lessees may see one-two more businesses operating out of the building e.g. a dance/ fitness studio and potentially a café.

The new facility is located @ 24 Middleton Rd Cromer (less than 10mins from the existing site). It is an "older style" single level industrial building (with partial mezzanine). The club has set aside funds to undertake extensive re-modelling work. In addition

Exact timing of the move is difficult to determine at this stage. To date we have signed the lease (5+5 year), notified our current landlord and submitted the Development Application (DA) to the Warringah Council. Our Project Manager/Builder (and Club President - Ian Hardy) and Martin Shields (Club General Manager) are currently developing detailed costings, budgets and timelines. The best estimate at this early stage is the move will be executed in March/April 2012.

The MWGC Committee recognizes the move to Cromer may inconvenience a small proportion of the clubs current members but we firmly believe the incremental benefits will far out way the downsides for the majority of club members and the broader Manly Warringah community.

We will keep you updated on progress via the club newsletter and through an information board setup in the foyer of our existing premises.

If you have any queries or think you may be able to assist the relocation in some way (labour, donations, trades, relevant expertise) please feel free to contact us asap.