In response to FMT’s queries, MRT Corp said that the station, referred to as Station S14, would be located beneath the area between Istana Budaya and Jalan Tun Razak, with the nearest point between the station and Istana Budaya being 25 metres apart.

“The construction of the station will require a section of the area in front of Istana Budaya to be temporarily taken for construction works, but the area will be reinstated to its original status once the station is completed,” said MRT Director of Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations Najmuddin Abdullah.

MRT also gave its assurance that the construction of the station would not affect the Istana Budaya building.

Najmuddin added that MRT had a lot of experience in constructing underground stations near buildings, without the buildings being adversely impacted, citing the construction of the Muzium Negara MRT building.

“The construction of the MRT station will not directly affect Istana Budaya’s ability to operate, but the current front approach to Istana Budaya will be obstructed.

“However, an alternative access to Istana Budaya from Jalan Tun Razak and a new traffic and pedestrian circulation plan has been drawn up and will ensure all existing traffic and pedestrian movements are maintained, to and from Istana Budaya.”

Najmuddin said once completed, Istana Budaya will benefit from having the additional access point for its visitors.

Recently, some quarters had voiced concern that the construction of the MRT station near the building would adversely affect the theatre.