VAILO’s Aaron Hickmann in talks to buy The Beachouse at Glenelg
Enigmatic businessman Aaron Hickmann is in talks to acquire one of Adelaide’s most iconic entertainment venues.
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Enigmatic businessman Aaron Hickmann is in talks to acquire one of Adelaide’s iconic entertainment venues.
Despite a recent move to Queensland, where he’s pursuing opportunities to expand his advanced lighting company VAILO, Mr Hickmann confirmed he was running the rule over The Beachouse amusement arcade at Glenelg.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission records show Artana Amusements, a company set up by the Hickmann family last September, has lodged an application to take over The Beachouse’s liquor licence from current operator Peter Rimington.
Mr Hickmann’s wife Maxine was initially listed as the company’s sole director, but she was replaced earlier this month by Mr Hickmann, who is also the sole shareholder through another company Artana Equity.
Negotiations are ongoing despite a liquidator investigating the collapse of medicinal cannabis venture BBS Pharmaceuticals, which Mr Hickmann was an investor in, and a tax dispute with authorities over the sale of a luxury Glenelg South property.
The potential acquisition would include The Beachouse business but not the property, which would be retained by developer Andrew Taplin, who acquired the site in 2008 after the amusement park fell into receivership.
Mr Hickmann, 35, who had a stint working at The Beachouse after completing high school, confirmed in a statement that his family was considering a purchase of the business.
“The purchase of The Beachouse is under negotiation and we are undertaking due diligence. At this stage, we have only lodged a liquor licence application,” he said.
“As a family, we see this as an opportunity to own a business which is aligned with family values, healthy entertainment and old-fashioned fun.”
The Beachouse, a family amusement centre on the Glenelg foreshore, features dodgem cars, bumper boats, minigolf, train rides, arcade games and a 120-year-old carousel – the only surviving piece of the iconic Magic Mountain theme park.
The Beachouse opened in 2006, replacing Magic Mountain, which operated from the site from 1982 until 2004 when it was controversially demolished as part of a redevelopment of the Glenelg foreshore.
Mr Hickmann, a former SA Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and founder and chief executive of VAILO, confirmed in January that he was heading to the sunshine state to take advantage of the huge opportunities available as Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
He vowed at the time to retain the company’s headquarters in Adelaide, where the company holds several sports sponsorship agreements, including as major partner of the annual VAILO Adelaide 500.
Mr Rimington has operated The Beachouse since its opening, and also owns The Big Wedgie inflatable water parks, which run in the summer months in Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
He has been contacted for comment.
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