Dendy Cinemas expansion to worsen parking

Infuriated Newtown locals have lashed out at a proposed expansion of the Dendy Cinemas claiming it will increase congestion and worsen parking.

Marrickville council is yet to approve the application to add six new cinemas to the complex located at 251-263 King Street, Newtown. While the renovations will see the cinemas almost double in capacity from 528 to 998 seats it does not include any provisions to provide additional parking for patrons.

The proposed development has enraged residents.

“King Street from early morning is already a traffic nightmare,” said Newtown local Ben Wenke.

Council documents reveal almost half of Dendy patrons arrive by car on a Saturday evening and estimate there will be an increase of 46 vehicle trips just between 6and 7 pm.

Dendy National Operations Manager, Nick Hayes believes the expansion is an investment into the community and parking will not be an issue.

“[Dendy] is one of the few sites that provide parking,” he said.

However, the cinemas currently provide only 20 car spaces for patrons, and the proposal has no plans to provide additional parking due to the constraints of the site. Council documents estimate the expansion will result in an increase of 278 patrons attending a film between the Saturday peak hours of 6 and 8 pm.

Developers believe if parking is not readily available it will encourage car-pooling, despite curb side and laneway parking being limited and largely time restricted.

“All the laneways off King Street are either timed, or for residents. The majority of residents don’t have garages – on street parking is their only form of parking,” said Newtown resident Verity Coltman.

Locals are not only concerned about congestion and parking, but what the expansion will mean for the local community.

“The reason I love the Dendy is because it’s a small community place,” said Newtown resident Claire Brill.

“It is a shame because [the plans] represent the pressure that local businesses are under. I mean, the fact they have to compromise their identity in order to survive,” said local Mark Farthing.

However, Mr Hayes believes the extension “will mean that we are able to show more movies and a broader range of films”.

Marrickville Councillor, Sam Iskandar believes the expansion will be beneficial for the community if the plans fulfil all the requirements.

“We will support any good business in the area,” he said.

However, not all councillors agree, with Newtown’s self-proclaimed Major tweeting, “not convinced about the Dendy extension” last week.

Under the plan, the ground level music store will be converted into a ticket office and candy bar, and the height of the building itself will increase to accommodate the new cinemas.

Detailed plans are available to view on the Marrickville Council website and comments by the public are welcome.

By Sophie Cousins