Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club president Robyn Edwards and general manager Stephen Hodge present the club’s “Looking to the Future” club enhancement four-page plan which was inserted in to the ‘Leader’s’ January 15 edition.
An upgrade including a fresh design to simplify customer service is one of the first three stages of the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club’s “Looking to the Future” strategy. Pictured is club president Robyn Edwards and general manager Stephen Hodge looking over the special four-page plan.
A DECADE of building financial strength now enables the modernisation of key spaces within Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club and the delivery of long-term community benefits as this club continues to grow alongside its members.
Following an in-depth review of the club’s strengths and weaknesses through a Strategic Plan conducted by the club’s board of directors with general manager Stephen Hodge, priorities were established including the adoption of the ‘Looking to the Future’ strategy which plans to rejuvenate existing areas and modernise within to enhance an enjoyable customer experience while establishing a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Redevelopment has been aligned with financial viability and will be staged over the next several years.
Centre Spread Liftout
Inserted in January 15th edition was a four-page liftout detailing the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club (WSMC) vision of proposed future designs of Gaming, Bar and Bistro areas within the club.
As well, enhancement of the Wellington Golf Club facilities since the amalgamation with the Soldiers Club to establish the Wellington Soldiers Memorial and Golf Club enterprise.
In recent months the opportunity arose to purchase the Wellington Information Neighbourhood Service (WINS) land in Swift Street which adjoins the back of the Soldiers Club.
This recent acquisition enables further future planning including a four-rink bowling green.
Golf Club
The amalgamation of the golf club with WSMC was deemed essential by golf club members to ensure the near-century-old golf club continued profitably while members and visitors enjoy the superb 18-hole course facility, according to WSMC president Robyn Edwards.
“I’m very excited, and the Board is also excited about the progress made since the amalgamation,” Ms Edwards said.
“The Board, like golf club members, believed the ongoing success for the golf club was essential to the benefit of the whole Wellington community.
“And trading and profitability has already increased.”
Ms Edwards said she saw the golf club as a hidden gem with much potential.
“We now have plans to upgrade the clubhouse area which will result in attracting more community engagement, particularly in functions like wedding ceremonies and breakfasts, plus other celebrations as well as encouraging more family-oriented engagement.”
WINS block
With the acquisition of the WINS block the Soldiers Club has reviewed its strategic plan to fulfil a long-time dream of developing a new bowling green facility at the rear of the club’s premises.
“A bowling green will also offer members an additional sporting attraction,” Ms Edwards said.
“The synthetic lawn rinks will be easy-care, and an opportunity to acknowledge local sporting and community members with the area and rinks named after them.”
Keeping ahead with the times
WSMC general manager Stephen Hodge said that as the club’s finances and savings were in a positive position, the club’s financial viability and continued savings enabled modernisation of areas within.
“Some stabilising work by the club’s previous general manager David French and club directors during the past 10 to 15 years has placed this club’s finances into a very positive position which now enables a phase of restructuring to keep ahead of a challenging club business income future,” Mr Hodge said.
“From the board’s strategic plan the first three stages of modernising club areas have been identified and design plans are now ready to head to the regional council as development applications.
“The first stage is an upgrade enhancement of the gaming outdoor smoking area together with a new club bar arrangement availing easier service in keeping with member’s needs.
“Following this will be a complete restructure of the kitchen area to include a multi-national cuisine Bistro enabling patrons to increase their dining experience by viewing their meals being cooked and prepared from their tables.
“The dining area enlargement will include a larger play area for the youngsters encouraging a family dining engagement environment.”
Mr Hodge said there were also future plans to expand the downstairs area.
“Downstairs has not been utilised for a decade or more, however, this could be revitalised into a sports bar styled entertainment area with more kids playground equipment,” Mr Hodge said.
“These improvements with the proposed bowling green which will be viewed from the ground floor and upstairs facilities will add further to the progressive club the Soldiers Club has progressed into.
“Take the time and carefully read the “Looking to the Future” club plan available at the club’s entrance or by asking staff for a copy to view where your club is positively heading.”