The buzzy, inner-city neighbourhood of South Town, centred on Welles Street, has even more claim to being Christchurch’s creative hub with the opening of Yoobee Colleges, just across on Colombo Street.

The funky new building will be home to 700 animation, film, emerging technologies, game development and graphic design students. The campus has been purpose-built, with labs and interactive class spaces, as well as exhibition and event areas. As well as NZQA-accredited courses, Yoobee will also offer secondary school holiday programmes and training for working professionals.

The location appealed to Yoobee as South Town is becoming home to an increasing number of artistic and creative businesses, making it an ideal space to inspire their students.

Developer Box 112, who are behind many of the new projects transforming South Town, partnered with Yoobee Colleges to deliver the new building. Box 112 spokesman James Stringer said such projects were “filling the streets” with people, putting Christchurch “another step closer to becoming the most liveable city in the world”.

Yoobee Colleges, New Zealand’s largest specialist creative and IT tertiary provider, was formed in May 2019 when South Seas Film & Television School, Animation College, Yoobee School of Design and AMES – The Institute of IT and Design & Arts (Canterbury) joined forces.

The facility joins the other cool kids in South Town, including the Atlas Quarter Apartments and neighbouring businesses Supreme Supreme, Burger Burger and Grow Active Daycare. Coming next is The Welder Health and Wellbeing Complex, opening on Welles Street this spring.

yoobee.ac.nz