Campus Hub Redevelopment leaves students with limited noms
The recent closure of the Quad Kiosk and the upcoming closure of Mount Street Cafe in the Student Union Building have left students with limited choices when it comes to buying food at Victoria University’s Kelburn campus.
Both closing as part of the Campus Hub Redevelopment, the Quad Kiosk will not be reopening in another location.
Required to vacate the premises by 30 September, the Kiosk closed on 27 August, while Mount Street Cafe will be serving their last five-dollar burgers on Friday.
One student spoken to by Salient believes the closing of the Kiosk has already had an effect around campus.
“The food choices were already limited, and since the Kiosk closed, the queues at UniStop have just been massive. I don’t even bother going there anymore.”
Director of Campus Services Jenny Bentley says the university has ensured these closures will affect students as little as possible.
“The closing of the Kiosk and Mount Street Cafe has been timed to minimise impact on students. During this time, food will be available from Wishbone and vicbooks will be offering a wider range of food.”
Food options will be further limited when Galleria in Maclaurin closes on 2 October.
As well as the limited range of food on offer around campus, a number of students also told Salient they were disappointed about the quality of food available.
“The food is not so good compared to the drinks available on campus,” one student says.
Another student compared the hygiene standards of one food provider to those “of a 5th world country.”
Bentley says the university is working to improve this problem as part of the Campus Hub Redevelopment.
“The plan includes a number of quality food and beverage outlets.
“A lot of thought has gone into developing a retail strategy for the new Campus Hub. From student feedback, the university has been working with a retail consulting group to develop a mix of retailers that will create a more vibrant environment designed to encourage students to enjoy their experience on campus even more.”
A number of food providers have already been confirmed for the first stage of the redevelopment, which will see food kiosks set up in the Old Kirk/Hunter Courtyard. Hot Wok and Mondo Subs both won tenders for the kiosks, and the Hari Krishna kiosk caravan will be relocated from the quad to the courtyard. Hari Krishna will also increase its opening hours in 2011, serving food every day except Friday.
Students can also look forward to a new cafe, bar and gig space as part of the Student Union Building redevelopment, which Bentley says will be ready for the start of the 2011 university year.
A new retail precinct in the Easterfield Building can also be expected in future.
In the meantime, students will have to survive with the “pretty shit, to be honest” alternatives.