Popular fitness franchise World Gym has expanded to the Sunshine Coast after officially opening the doors of its new $3 million Maroochydore gym at the weekend (September 24).
For World Gym Maroochydore joint owners Nathan James and former NRL player Ben Elias, the opening was a milestone after spending more than five years searching for their ideal Sunshine Coast location.
“We’ve been planning to expand to the Sunshine Coast for many years and we’re pleased to finally be able to open the doors here at Maroochydore,” Mr James said.
“The Sunshine Coast is known for its great outdoors lifestyle so it was a great fit for our company to be located here and the positive experience working with Sunshine Coast Council made the process of expanding to this region easier.”
World Gym Maroochydore will employ more than 40 staff and membership sign-ups have exceeded expectations.
Planning and Development Portfolio Cr Christian Dickson assisted Mr James during the official ceremony and said the gym was a great addition to the existing sport and fitness facilities in the Sunshine Coast.
“As one of the healthiest regions in Queensland, the opening of a cutting-edge gym such as World Gym is a great addition and as someone who is very fitness conscious myself, it’s pleasing to see the gym being embraced by the Sunshine Coast community,” Cr Dickson said.
“I’m pleased to have been able to help Nathan, Ben and the World Gym Maroochydore team celebrate the opening.”
Tourism, Sports and Events Portfolio Cr Jason O’Pray said gyms were a big contributor to the sport and fitness industry, with fitness programs being the second most common participation activity in Australia.
“The opening of these new facilities will add to the existing high-calibre training facilities in our region, which have been recognised by a significant number of Commonwealth Games athletes from a range of countries who have chosen the Sunshine Coast as their training base next year,” Cr O’Pray said.
“These facilities, along with a great portfolio of sporting events, contribute to the Sunshine Coast being a powerhouse for regional sport in Australia.
“The sport and fitness industry is also a big contributor to the Sunshine Coast economy, generating more than $440 million in economic activity each year and is identified as one of the seven high-value industries in the Regional Economic Development Strategy.”