New owner for YMCA site

The YMCA has sold its remaining Docklands health club to a new owner with a familiar face.

Current YMCA Docklands manager Andrew Ward and his wife Jean will take over the YMCA site from September 1, under the new name Push! Fitness.

Mr Ward has managed YMCA Docklands on Collins St for the past five years and also managed the Victoria Point YMCA gym before it closed last year.

As an active member of the community, including a role as a Docklands Community Forum representative, Mr Ward said he remained very invested in our suburb.

“There’s still something about the emerging Docklands and it’s great to have the ability to influence the health and wellbeing of the people who live here,” Mr Ward said.

The pair said they would continue to retain the outreach and community programs initiated while the YMCA was in operation.

The change in ownership will also see an upgrade of both the equipment and the interior of the facility, while a range of new fitness programs will also be introduced.

Ms Ward has been teaching yoga, pilates and other group fitness classes for more than 16 years and he said there would be a particular focus on mind and body in the new program.

“I’ll be able to put all of the ideas I’ve been accumulating over the years into action,” she said.

YMCA Victoria development manager Amanda Locke said over the past 10 years the organisation had helped its members get active together in Docklands.

“Push! Fitness has a clear vision for the health club and we wish them all the best for the future,” Ms Locke said.