Hamilton city clubs float idea of merger

Photo / Sandra Mu

Falling memberships have forced four of Hamilton's oldest clubs to look at merging into a "super" establishment to help compete with bars and casinos.

The Cosmopolitan, Glenview, Combined Returned Services and Hamilton Clubs are in early discussions about pooling their resources into a new modern home.

Members of all four were notified of the proposal this week after executive teams discussed ageing membership and being unable to attract younger people. Some of the clubs also faced high costs to upgrade facilities.

Cosmopolitan Club secretary Richard Shepard said the solution was modelled on the Clubs of Marlborough concept in Blenheim, where three clubs successfully merged into a new riverside facility.

He said the "super club" idea would help all to compete with the casino and the city's bars and restaurants.

"In the long term everyone can see if they don't do something they may not be around," Mr Shepard said.

In a letter to members, the advantages were listed as increased turnover and reduced operating costs, as well as members of multiple clubs having to pay only one annual subscription. The disadvantages were that clubs would lose their individual identities and opposition by some members.

The Cosmopolitan's membership has shrunk from 3100 five years ago to about 2100 and its building requires earthquake strengthening.

The meeting was initially with five of the city's six clubs but the Waikato Commerce Club withdrew support because it did not want to prop up the other clubs. The Hamilton Workingmen's Club was not included in discussions as it makes a profit.

Combined Returned Services Club president Rod Gill said snooker tables had helped increase its membership of 1800 by about 25 newcomers a month.

The Hamilton Club is already using the Cosmopolitan Club's Hamilton East facilities after selling its Grantham St property in 2010 to pay off its $700,000 debt.Its president, Peter Cough, said while they had only 100 members, they had money to invest.