Dreamworld reopening gathers $157,000 charity donation

More than $157,000 will be donated to the families of four people killed in October's Dreamworld ride tragedy following donations made during the weekend reopening of the theme park.

Ardent Leisure reported that more than 6,000 guests, around half its usual numbers, attended the opening two days, during which the park promised to donate $25 from each ticket sold to a Red Cross appeal.

Ardent Leisure said the donation will be distributed to those affected by the tragedy through the GIVIT Appeal Independent Distribution Committee.

Ardent Leisure Chief Executive Deborah Thomas said the group will continue to offer "our support to the families who lost their loved ones", adding “our talented Dreamworld team were ready to reopen our doors and were touched by the warmth and kindness shown by so many of our visitors this weekend.”

While the WhiteWater World waterpark was fully operational, Dreamworld’s major thrill rides remain closed over the weekend, contributing to the attraction’s reduced appeal and the dip in guest numbers from its 2014/15 average of 6,246 a day.

With Dreamworld’s reputation undoubtedly damaged, Ardent estimated the accident itself had cost it $1.6 million last month, along with operating costs of $4 million during the shutdown.

However, Ardent has revealed today that it will raise $126 million from sale of its d'Albora Marinas division.

The d'Albora Marinas portfolio comprises seven high profile marinas located in premium locations, including Spit Junction and Rushcutter's Bay in Sydney, and Victoria Harbour and Pier 35 in Melbourne.

The purchaser is a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by Sydney‐based Balmain Corporation and Goldman Sachs. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur before 30th June 2017 and is dependent upon securing landlord consents for the transfer of the head leases.

The sale follows Ardent parting with its Goodlife Health Clubs division – as announced in August and completed on the morning of the Dreamworld tragedy.

Commenting on the sale, Thomas added “the group's decision to prepare d'Albora Marinas for sale with extended lease tenure, targeted capital works and a transparent sale process has ensured that the maximum value for investors has been realised.

“The agreed sale price of $126 million represents a premium to current book value and will improve the balance sheet capacity of the group.”

Images: Dreamworld reopens (top) and the d’Albora Marinas' property at Nelson Bay (below). 

10th December 2016 - GUESTS TRICKLE BACK AS DREAMWORLD REOPENS

1st December 2016 - DREAMWORLD EXTENDS SEASON PASSES, STRESSES SAFETY OF WHITEWATER WORLD

30th November 2016 - DREAMWORLD AND WHITEWATER WORLD TO REOPEN ON SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

2nd November 2016 - ARDENT LEISURE SHARE PRICE CONTINUES TO FALL AMID SAFETY SCRUTINY

19th August 2016 - ARDENT LEISURE SELLS GOODLIFE​ HEALTH CLUBS IN $260 MILLION DEAL

31st March 2016 - ARDENT LEISURE LOOKS TO SELL MARINAS DIVISION