CLUB SCENE: HORNSBY CLUB REOPENS

The Hornby Club in Christchurch is officially complete after a multimillion-dollar redevelopment that has taken six years from concept to completion.

It was officially opened by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger accompanied by the redevelopment committee.

Over the course of its official opening weekend, (Dec 9- 10) the club had more than 2,500 visitors through its facilities and more than 1,000 people signed up to its annual membership.

General Manager, Tim Mathews, says the opening weekend was a great success and pushed the total Club membership significantly over 10,000 members.

“We are proud to officially open the new Hornby Club. Taking six years from concept to completion, the Hornby Club redevelopment was managed through the pandemic and in the face of construction material shortages and several compulsory Club closures due to nationwide lockdowns. It is wonderful to finally reveal the Club to the community and to receive an overwhelmingly positive response,” says Mr Mathews.

The club has three bars and restaurants, a 450 pax events centre, two children’s playgrounds, a family buffet every Sunday, live music venues, and multiple private dining and meeting rooms.

The club’s longest serving member, Russell Holbrough, a member since 1956, attended the opening event, alongside other life members, new and future members. Attending the celebrations were the club’s architect, RM Designs and the construction team, Contract Construction.

Tim Mathews said it was a fantastic event.

“We welcomed many new members and celebrated the completion of the Club with many of our long-standing loyal members. It was great to get together and showcase the Club’s wonderful new facilities,” said Mr Mathews.

Developed through the pandemic and in the face of construction material shortages, and several compulsory Club closures due to nationwide lockdowns, the Hornby Club has overcome many challenges through the course of its redevelopment.

-General Manager, Ted Mathews.

General Manager of Hornby Club, Tim Mathews, says though the challenges through the development were unexpected, the completed Hornby Club is phenomenal and is a significant step for the organisation as it sets to ensure its future viability and success.

“Clubs throughout New Zealand have faced many challenges in the past few years as the way New Zealanders like to dine and socialise has changed. In fact, many Clubs have sadly closed as they haven’t moved with the times quick enough.

“The new generation of patrons want variety and a place which the whole family can attend. This has meant a shift away from traditional ‘Club Life’ was required to attract new members to ensure a strong future for the Club,” says Mathews.

The new Hornby Club has three bars and restaurants, a 450 pax events centre, two children’s playgrounds, a family buffet, live music venues, and multiple private dining and meeting rooms.

“The club realised six years ago, that change was required. A new focus for the club is balancing the needs of our loyal members who have belonged to the club for many years and the needs and wants of our new members who are looking for a family friendly environment. The new Hornby Club ticks all these boxes and we can’t wait to see it flourish,” says Mathews.

Mr Mathews says the Hornby Club is more than just a hospitality venue, it is an asset for Hornby.

“The club contributes to the community through donations and discounts over $1 million per year, providing spaces for community groups and organisations,” he says.

“We have the capacity and the facilities to accommodate many more members and that is really exciting. Our new facilities mean we can host a function for 450 upstairs in the Events Centre, while hosting 150 in our family restaurant, another 300 in our Legends Bar and still have room in our café for those wanting a light lunch or meal at dinner time. We also have extensive car parking options, with more than 150 car parks,” says Mathews.

For more information visit: www.hornbywmc.co.nz

The Clubs New Zealand 2023 Conference, AGM and Hospitality Expo will be held from the 16th - 19th March 2023, hosted by the newly reopened Hornby Club.

If you are travelling from the North Island to South Island via ferry it is highly recommend you look to book with Clubs NZ partner partners BlueBridge Cook Strait Ferries who have a special discount for club members.

If you have any questions regarding the Clubs New Zealand 2023 Conference, AGM + EXPO please contact National Office on 0800 4 CLUBS