LeisureCo collapses into Administration

Adelaide-based leisure management contractor and fitness club operator LeisureCo Pty Ltd has entered voluntary administration, with Pitcher Partners partner Michael Basedow appointed as the company's administrator.

Basedow was appointed voluntary administrator effective on 7th July and will assess the health of each of LeisureCo's clubs and contracts in Australia.

As of the end of June, LeisureCo had over 500 staff across eight council managed centre and two In Shape Health clubs. While the council centres will continue to trade through the administration process, and LeisureCo's In Shape Health club in the Sydney-suburb of Alexandria remained open, the In Shape Health club in Pagewood reportedly did not open for business as of Tuesday this week.

At the end of June, East Gippsland Shire announced that it would will resume management and operation of the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC), Lakes Aquadome, Lakes Entrance and the outdoor swimming pools in Bairnsdale and Orbost as of this Monday.

In a press release, East Gippsland Shire stated that "this follows both parties reaching an amicable agreement to return the management contract won by LeisureCo Pty Ltd about twelve months ago."

East Gippsland Shire Chief Executive Steve Kozlowski said "our plan is to retain all staff associated with the management of the facilities as well as the administration and conduct of the programs at each centre."

Growing from the former South Australian Community Recreation Association, LeisureCo has operated for over 25 years, managing council aquatic and recreation facilities, function centres, gyms and swimming schools.

23rd October 2008 - NEW LEADERSHIP AT LEISURECO