CEO’s Report Thanks to overwhelming community support, the year under review has been very successful for Bankstown Sports Club. The year has been one of both growth and development. Our results have followed a positive growth trend and registered a remarkable improvement in financial performance. These results gave our Board of Directors the confidence to make informed assessments and important decisions about investments and redevelopments for the future growth of the club. TRAVELODGE BANKSTOWN EXPANSIONS In December 2014, the Board made a major decision to proceed with a $20 million expansion of the Travelodge Bankstown. This decision paved the way for an agreement that was signed between the Tucker Box Hotel Trust and Bankstown Sports Club. Tucker Box Hotel Trust is a joint venture between the NRMA and Mirvac Group, managed by Mirvac. As a result of this agreement, construction of four additional floors above the existing hotel began early this year. The first phase will provide 54 new rooms outfitted and completed, while the existing 108 rooms are fully renovated. The hotel will soon offer accommodation of 162 rooms with a potential of 216 rooms in the near future. Tucker Box Hotel Trust is also in the process of refurbishing the hotel’s foyer. The redeveloped hotel will help cater to the growing need for accommodation in the city, which is changing and evolving into both a commercial and residential hub, with excellent transport links to the Sydney CBD and airport. 12 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 - 2015
NEW FOOD AND DINING OPTIONS Responding to changes in our local population and their preferences, the Board supported a decision to proceed with the construction of a new noodle house which will be called “Lucky Cheng’s Noodle House”. Work is well underway and by Christmas this year our members and patrons will be able to enjoy the spectacle of a ‘noodle master’ preparing stretched hand-made noodles and dumplings that can be eaten in a nutritious, hearty soup, served quickly, on order. We hope that within 12 months of the noodle house opening, we will be able to begin work on a complete Asian precinct, with a range of Asian cuisines that will be different, but complementary to what is on offer in the neighbourhood outside the club. You can expect to sample the delights of famous handmade Ramen noodles, traditional Singapore noodles, wok-tossed Hokkien noodles, a variety of Dim Sim dumplings, a selection of steamed dumplings for nonvegetarians and vegetarians alike, and much more. As “Lucky Cheng’s Noodle House” expands into a restaurant and Asian precinct, planning will also begin on a state-of-the-art steak house that promises to be both a unique and a special dining experience for connoisseurs of quality steaks. Guests will be treated to open kitchens with glass walls so they can view the air-cured processes for their quality beef. As a community and family club, in the past year we also identified a need to provide our members with a chocolate offering. Our Board was of the opinion that we should provide one of quality and excellence that would appeal to the majority our membership. Having examined the best possible options, the Board agreed with the recommendation that we enter into an
arrangement with the famous chocolateria, San Churro. Not everyone realises that Spain is the birthplace of modern day chocolate. Chocolateria San Churro captures the essence of Spain’s best chocolaterias, where “churros” are a popular breakfast item and a formidable part of Spanish cuisine. By Christmas there will be a new fully operational Chocolateria San Churro outlet for our patrons featuring churros, decadent Spanish hot chocolate, truffles, macarons, desserts, cakes and much more. The club’s Total Sports Bar is a hidden gem that is patronised selectively by those who know it is located below the gaming floor and Rainforest Lounge. The Board rightly thought that this venue must be more open and accessible for all to enjoy. The decision was made to cut through the floor of the Rainforest Lounge so that a modern, but grand, staircase could be built providing easy and ready access to the Total Sports Bar. In 2016, our intention is to reimagine the space with a fresh food and beverage concept, so that it is contemporary and on trend with exciting food, wine and craft beer. With an intended combination of sporting coverage feeds, low impact amusements, and quality food and drinks, this outlet will become an ideal attraction for patrons who want an informal night out, or for the many who have been to a show or dinner. NEW OFFICE COMPLEX PRECINCT Early next year, work will begin on an eight-storey office building, pending pre-commitments from prospective tenants. Our Board has been encouraged by the fact that both Federal and State governments have provided clubs with a stable economic environment for us to plan, invest, redevelop, operate and grow. With interest rates relatively low, it is a good time for us to cater to the growing demand for