CDU forgoes $38,000 monthly through rejection of council’s Cavenagh St car park proposal

CHARLES Darwin University has forfeited a possible $38,000 per month by rejecting an offer from Darwin council to maintain the Cavenagh St car park for the uni

Cavenagh St Car park where the new CDU city campus will be built. The car park was sold for $14.6 million. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

CHARLES Darwin University has forfeited a possible $38,000 per month by rejecting an offer from Darwin council to maintain the Cavenagh St car park for the uni.

Transferral of ownership coincides with the end of the council’s free parking measures, made in response to coronavirus, meaning the university could have made the most of public servants parking fees.

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While the offer was made from Darwin council to maintain the car park for up to six months, no specifics had been drawn up meaning it was not known what maintenance fee council would have charged.

But a Darwin council spokesman said the car park generated about $38,000 per month, meaning the university could have made $228,000 if construction was delayed for six months.

The decision comes despite CDU Vice-Chancellor Simon Maddocks revealing the university could plunge into a deficit of more than $22 million at this year, while also revealing he’d be taking a significant pay cut.

While council’s other car parks will be able to absorb the 391 spaces made redundant in the car park closure, motorists will likely have to fork out more for their parking space.

“There are a number of different options for car park users, for instance China Town and the new State Square underground car park, which have secure amenities, and open air off street availability,” the spokesman said.

“These are priced comparably or slightly more, depending on user’s needs.

“All day permit holders (people who purchase long term parking in advance) will be offered the same arrangements in another COD car park.”

Council will engage motorists who use the car park this week to ensure other arrangement can be met.

“Two weeks notification will allow users to easily choose an alternative place to park,” the spokesman said.

The development application is still being assessed by Charles Darwin University.

Earlier, Prof Maddocks said CDU’s revenue would fall between $20 million and $30 million this year, as a result of coronavirus.

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“This includes revenue decline from international students, very little VET fee-for-service income, less student accommodation demand, less research and reduced investment income,” he said.