Facilities

Villa Maria College is set in 4.8 hectares of grounds in the suburb of Ilam in the North West of Christchurch. It is situated close to the University of Canterbury Ilam campus.

The College has four fully equipped and recently upgraded computer suites, a modern Library Information Resource Centre (opened in 2000) and modern technology equipment. The Arts Block, which includes a White Room for exhibitions and photographic work, was completed in early 2005 at a cost of $1.46 million.

The auditorium and gymnasium were opened in 1998. The gymnasium is marked with numerous courts and has a well-equipped weights room. Outdoors there are sports fields and a swimming pool. The hockey, tennis and netball courts were opened 2007 and the resulting new Astro turf courts provide the College and the local community with an all-weather facility to assist the development of these sporting codes.

The music area was developed, along with the building of the new auditorium, in 1998 and allows for performance and teaching spaces as well as sound-proofed practice rooms for students.

A stylish administration block, built in 2001, greets visitors to the College from the Peer Street entrance and provides pleasing surroundings for the College's Senior Leadership team and comfortable staffroom and workroom facilities.

Staff car parks have been created from both the Brodie and Peer Street entrances. The canteen facilities were expanded in 2004 and there is a Year 13 common room for student use. The boundary fence was replaced in early 2009 ensuring a safe, secure and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Development Plan

The next phase of the development plan, the proposed redevelopment of the Science and Technology areas, is scheduled for 2010. Subsequent phases will see, possibly by the College Centenary in 2018, a new Chapel and a central courtyard.

The Prime Minister, Helen Clark, and immediate
 Past Principal, Sr Mary Hanrahan, opening 
the new Arts block in 2004