Belgravia Group launches franchise model for BK’s Gymnastics brand

The Belgravia Group has commenced offering franchises for its BK’s Gymnastics brand - formerly known as Belgravia Kids.

Already operating seven company-owned BK’s Gymnastics centres for children in Melbourne and Sydney, the concept is now being franchised, opening up fresh opportunities for keen would-be franchise buyers.

Part of the Melbourne-based Belgravia Group - one of Australia’s largest privately-owned health and leisure companies, with a diverse portfolio of businesses, including fitness franchise company Belgravia Health and Fitness - BK’s Gymnastics sits within the BK's Gym and Swim division.

Its management systems are used in over 100 Belgravia Health and Fitness franchise locations, including Genesis Health + Fitness, Coaching Zone, Ninja Parc and its affiliate brand JUMP! Swim Schools.

Seeing that the time is right to expand into a franchise model as membership numbers are rising rapidly, BK's Gym and Swim Chief Executive, Mark Rendell explains “we have seen a major growth in memberships over the last two years - up 225%.

“The last six months alone have seen an 30% rise in members across our current sites at Marrickville, Bacchus March, Bayside, Craigieburn, Hawthorn, Hoppers Crossing and Noble Park.

“We have Caroline Springs opening in May and we’re looking to secure 10 new franchise sites before the end of the year. With our current membership growth levels and the backing of Belgravia giving franchisees confidence in the offering, we’re very optimistic about reaching this target.”

With the latest AusPlay survey participation data reveals that gymnastics continues to rank in the top three organised sports for children under the age of 12, Rendell adds “gymnastics has often been referred to as the nursery of Australian sport, with many athletes - including the likes of Olympic swimmer Emily Seebom, hurdler Sally Pearson and former Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello - starting off in gymnastics as kids.

“It provides skills like coordination and balance that set kids up very well physically, regardless of what other activities and sports they pursue now or in the future and research shows that children who develop these skills are far more likely to get involved in sports and recreation throughout their life and will have lower risk of obesity.

“We’re very excited to be franchising BK’s Gymnastics as it will get more kids across the country involved in physical activity, further aiding the Belgravia Group’s mission to get one million Australian kids engaged in physical activity.”

Gymnastics qualifies for recently introduced state government sport voucher programs like Get Active Kids in Victoria, which is helping Australian parents get their children back into sport.

Rendell advises that the cost of establishing and running a BK’s Gymnastics franchise starts from $220,000, depending on the location size.

He points out that existing indoor sports centres or buildings can be converted into a BK’s Gymnastics.

For more information go to www.bkgymswim.com.au/franchise-opportunities/