10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Invercargill Licensing Trust T T Karen Phelps Reinvesting in vibrant hospitality sector The Ascot Park Hotel has converted its boiler from coal to biomass, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 1,000 tonnes per year; from left, Paul Elliott - project manager, John Faul, Shane Austen - CH Faul, Chris Ramsay and Paddy O’Brien ILT 027 233 8089 www.archerconstruction.co.nz kerry@archerconstruction.co.nz Proud to support the Invercargill Licensing Trust Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) is strategically reinvesting across its portfolio of 23 businesses in order to maintain high standards and continue to deliver significant returns back to the city it calls home. A uniquely Invercargill organisation, ILT operates a mix of hotels, motels, restaurants, bars and retail liquor outlets along with properties in Dunedin and Christchurch, all owned by the community and created to return profits back to the city. “Our reason for being has always been clear: to operate successful businesses that contribute directly to Invercargill,” explains ILT Chief Executive Chris Ramsay. “By reinvesting in our venues and our people, we ensure the community continues to benefit from a vibrant and thriving hospitality sector.” As an example, The Langlands Hotel, ILT’s largest single development at $52 million, opened in September 2022 and has become a city landmark. It underwent minor adjustments in 2025, including the removal of a lobby staircase to make the space more flexible for events, injecting new energy into the Don Street precinct. The seven-storey, 78room, 4.5-star hotel also includes five eateries and bars. ILT’s Villas Motel refurbishment is a current project with 10 rooms upgraded last year and another four completed recently. The remaining 15 rooms are scheduled for renovation over the coming year alongside a full brand refresh and new website. “This multi-million-dollar investment reflects our confidence in the region,” says Chris. “Our aim is to maintain high quality venues that continue to provide a great experience for our guests and visitors alike.” Reinvestment is not limited to buildings. ILT recently announced a staff-wide bonus, recognising the contribution of around 650 employees during a busy trading period. “It’s about acknowledging the mahi that keeps ILT moving forward. Our people are central to our success, and this bonus is a small but meaningful way to show appreciation,” he says. Sustainability is also a key focus. The Ascot Park Hotel has converted its boiler from coal to biomass, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 1,000 tonnes per year. Solar panels on the refurbished ILT Head Office are designed to make the site largely self-sufficient with potential to export excess power to the grid. EV chargers at all accommodation properties, along with Zilch zero-emission vehicles at Ascot Park Hotel, reflect the group’s commitment to sustainable operations and guest convenience. Digital innovation is another important area of reinvestment. Recent upgrades across the organisation’s backend systems, including financial management tools, a cloud-based reservation platform and smarter rostering technology, are improving operational efficiency and strengthening profitability. “Innovation is something we work on every day,” says Chris. “Each project builds on the last and helps us keep improving our performance and our returns to the community.” Since its inception, ILT has returned over $225 million to Invercargill including $8 million annually in grants and donations to more than 300 community organisations. These support a wide range of projects including scholarships across tertiary education, arts and sport and the development of world-class facilities such as ILT Stadium Southland, SIT Velodrome and Splash Palace. As ILT continues to reinvest, innovate and grow, Chris says it remains firmly focused on operating with commercial strength and community purpose, as an organisation focused on long-term success and its vision of a vibrant Invercargill.
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