‘Existential risk’: Ugly brawl between NIDA and UNSW over carpark

Sydney’s leading performing arts academy says it will lose millions and faces an “existential risk” under a plan to turn a car park into a giant student accommodation hub.

An ugly brawl is unfolding between the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the University of NSW over the future of a car park, which the performing arts school warns has presented them with an “existential risk.”

The saga surrounds the controversial decision by UNSW to sign a 99-year lease with property developer Iglu, who will take over the car park adjacent to NIDA’s Kensington campus on Anzac Parade.

Plans are in motion for Iglu to transform the 9200 square metre site into “Australia’s largest new integrated student accommodation, leisure and lifestyle precinct”, with rooms for up to 900 students.

UNSW is one of several leading tertiary institutions in Australia who rely heavily on fees from international students.

NIDA claim to have been “blindsided” by the proposal, which will remove their parking and badly impact rehearsals and performance spaces, arguing their “legitimate concerns have still not been heard or addressed.”

An artist impression of Iglu's giant student accommodation proposal at UNSW in Sydney. Picture: UNSW

In a strongly-worded letter, obtained by The Daily Telegraph, NIDA CEO Liz Hughes warned the Iglu project will cause “costs and losses estimated to be $11.4 million in the first 12 months alone, and total tens of millions over the construction period.”

“Two of our key theatres will be forced to close during the construction period causing stoppages in student learning. The NIDA music and sound studios will be unusable” Ms Hughes warned.

The car park site at Kensington. NIDA said UNSW developing it into a student accommodation precinct is an “existential risk”. Picture: UNSW

The NIDA CEO continued: “Five floors of specialised studio and performance spaces used for learning … will need to be relocated due to sound and vibration from drilling.

“Vehicles including cars, student buses and disability vehicles will be unable to stop adjacent to NIDA. This will affect up to 100,000 visitors per year and will cause significant safety issues. During the 3-5 year construction phase there will be no carparking close to NIDA for any students or visitors. Without significant changes, this development presents an existential risk to NIDA’s future.”

The University of NSW was approached for comment.

NIDA, the National Institute of Dramatic Art at Kensington in Sydney. It boasts Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson and Sam Worthington as alumni. Picture; Supplied,

However, Ms Hughes accused the UNSW of “ignoring” NIDA’s concerns since the preliminary design plans were published in March last year.

“NIDA has repeatedly requested that UNSW consider the consequences of this development for NIDA. During this process, it became evident that UNSW signed an agreement with Iglu even before NIDA saw the plans.”

“The proposed development will prohibit NIDA from operating at its current levels and will compromise the short and long-term viability of Australia’s leading and world renown drama school” Ms Hughes said.

The proposal is currently before the Sydney Eastern Planning Panel, who will hold a public determination on August 6.

NIDA has been operating for 66 years, and boasts alumni including Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Sam Worthington, Hugh Sheridan and Sarah Snook as its alumni.