Australian-based real estate investment company Marprop plans to convert Queenstown’s The Forge building into a 264-bed backpackers’ hostel. PHOTO: TRACEY ROXBURGHAn Australian real estate investment company has snapped up one of Queenstown’s most central buildings, planning to turn it into a 264-bed "premium backpackers". The ODT understands Marprop recently bought The Forge, a three-level, mixed-use commercial building which fronts Athol, Shotover and Camp Sts. It is Marprop’s second property interest in Queenstown, the company having previously bought a mixed-use building, home to Patagonia clothing store, which fronts Beach and Shotover Sts. Thirteen rooms, in different configurations, are planned for the first floor, along with communal bathrooms and an entry/self check-in/lounge, and another 17 rooms and communal bathrooms on the second floor.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 07, 2026 16:13 UTC