Queenstown college announces major infrastructure development

Queenstown Resort College (QRC) is investing in the future of tertiary education in the Southern Lakes region by creating a centralised accommodation base for its students.

QRC has purchased Queenstown Lodge, a former hotel in the suburb of Fernhill, and plans to turn it into a 61-room Halls of Residence called ‘QRC Lodge’ in time for its January 2010 intake.

The major financial investment future-proofs the college’s infrastructure needs and marks the first step in its long term vision of establishing a student campus in Queenstown.

QRC has spent more than a year searching for the right site to accommodate its students. Up until now it has leased apartments around the town.

QRC CEO Charlie Phillips says owning accommodation means the college has control over its intake numbers and can service demand.

“We’re committed to Queenstown as an education destination and a serious place for study. Having our own accommodation will be a real drawcard in attracting national and international students and will mean we’ll be comparable to any other tertiary education institution in New Zealand. The site also has excellent potential for future development in terms of our long term vision to create a campus.”

Mr Phillips says the Lodge provides the opportunity to create a training ground for the college’s hospitality students.

“We have a strong emphasis on practical learning so we’re turning the kitchen into a training kitchen and will simulate real life hotel management scenarios,” he says.

QRC Lodge will have full time managers on site and each wing will be managed by students selected as ‘residential assistants’.

Rent will be comparable to other halls of residence around New Zealand. All rooms are ensuite and meals will be included in the price. Students will be provided with breakfast seven days a week and dinner five nights a week and can use the community kitchen to prepare other meals.

“Our aim is to provide our students with reasonably priced convenient accommodation in a safe and comfortable environment. Queenstown Lodge is close to town, has a regular bus service and great facilities. It already has a tennis court and we’ll also be installing a gym to encourage our students to get active in their free time.

“Promoting a healthy lifestyle is part of the culture of the college. We find attitude ties into results so we’re working to build a culture of students who are serious about working hard, enjoy being active in the environment and who respect their surroundings. We believe they’ll take that philosophy with them when they go out into the workplace.”

QRC opened in 2006 with nine students and has increased its capacity to 160 this year. Mr Phillips expects numbers to increase to approximately 250 students in 2010.

Queenstown Resort College offers diplomas in Hospitality Management and Adventure Tourism Management, personal and leadership development courses, and customised programmes.

For more information please visit www.queenstownresortcollege.com.