Maroondah Sports Club appoints administrators, searching for new buyer
A club boasting entertainment including a bistro, sports bar and pokies, which supported several sports clubs and charities across Melbourne’s outer east, has collapsed into administration — but there are hopes of a white knight.
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An entertainment venue in Melbourne’s outer east which supports numerous grassroots sports clubs and community causes is in the hands of administrators.
The Maroondah Sports Club in Ringwood East went into administration on April 24 with PCI Partners’ Stephen Michell appointed administrator three days later.
The venue, based at East Ringwood Reserve on Mt Dandenong Rd, closed indefinitely on March 23 following the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
Its last post on its Facebook page was on April 19 as a “shout out to our loyal members who might be doing it tough during these very unusual times”.
“We will come through this and we look forward to seeing you all at Maroondah Sports Club whenever this becomes possible.”
The venue boasts a bistro and pokies and also regularly hosted live entertainment and functions.
It also supports football, cricket, tennis, soccer, bowls, athletics and darts clubs in Maroondah, along with other charitable causes.
Mr Michell said the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent venue shutdown was a leading factor in the decision to appoint administrators.
He said the club would remain closed until a new buyer was found.
“We’re looking for expressions of interest in purchasing the business and the other options available, and we are talking to a number of parties about the future of the club in general,’ Mr Michell said.
“In the short to medium term, one way or the other there will be a sale.”
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Mr Michell said EFL side East Ringwood, which was also based at the ground next to the club, was unlikely to be impacted by the decision as it had separate club rooms.
The venue is a sponsor of four club groups including its senior and junior teams, its past players and life members associations.
East Ringwood Football Club president Julien Moussi has been contacted for comment.