End of an era: Chisholm Vikings will close on 30 January. Photo: Clubs ACT.
The Vikings Group will close its Chisholm operation in the New Year, blaming falling revenue and rising costs.
The Tuggeranong club’s last day of trading will be 30 January 2026, after 36 years serving the local community.
Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill said the difficult decision to shutter Chisholm was made to ensure the group’s long-term future, indicating that the site could be redeveloped for housing or other community amenities.
“Our operating environment is increasingly challenging, with evolving government policy, social expectations and rising costs,” he said.
“Against that background, the Vikings board and management constantly review our situation, and we are working to position Vikings for long-term sustainability.”
Mr Hill said the decision was not about impacts to gaming; revenue in general was not keeping pace with escalating costs.
“That said, further reductions in gaming will exacerbate the issue, but we’re trying to work with government to achieve their objectives,” he said.
Vikings would continue to meet its gaming machine surrender obligations in accordance with the ACT Government’s policy to reduce the number of machines, and the Chisholm licences would remain in the group’s pool for future surrender.
Mr Hill also said the setback to its proposal for a new $36 million club in Jerrabomberra had helped force Vikings’ hand.
In July, the NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel rejected the group’s development application, but Vikings still intends to develop a club there.
Mr Hill said the Poplars development and opening had not occurred in the timeframe the group had hoped for.
“This would have strengthened our financial resilience and the sustainability of the Vikings Group as a whole, pushing out any decisions to close a venue much later in the reshaping of our ACT clubs,” he said.
Vikings Group CEO Anthony Hill said the Chisholm site could be developed for housing. Photo: Vikings.
Mr Hill said there were many other options for the Chisholm site, including redevelopment or repurposing that enhanced neighbourhood amenity and met community needs, such as housing or urban renewal.
Details of a community consultation to help guide the group’s plans would be announced early in the new year.
Mr Hill said Vikings remained committed to its base in the Tuggeranong Valley, staff and members, sporting and community groups, and the broader community.
“But we need to reshape and diversify in ways that meet government policy priorities and strengthen our ability to navigate, respond to, and survive an uncertain future,” he said.
The decision will affect 33 staff, who will be offered continuing employment at one of the group’s other venues with all entitlements maintained.
There will be no forced redundancies, and staff will be supported through the transition.
Vikings will continue to support community and sporting groups currently based at Chisholm.
Membership and entitlements remain valid at all other Vikings venues. The Erindale, Town Centre and Lanyon clubs will continue to operate as usual.
Mr Hill said no one had worked harder than the Chisholm staff to restore the club’s fortunes after the COVID pandemic, and the decision in no way reflected on their efforts or performance.
“Since its opening in 1989, it has been a place for families and friends to come together, for local sport to be celebrated, and for community connections to grow,” he said.
“Over that time, the venue has played an important role in creating the sense of belonging that defines Vikings.”
Feedback and questions can be sent to Vikings via email at chisholm@vikings.com.au.
