Visions of Australia’s very own Silicon Valley have vaporised, thanks to a decision by Google to pull out of a planned tech hub.
The White Bay Power Station redevelopment in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Rozelle was to be the home of the State’s first dedicated tech hub, scoring Google as the first major tenant.
But Google has decided the 20-year redevelopment is way too long to wait. Even if its offices are built first, it would find itself in the midst of a heavily-used construction zone for years to come.
“We are grateful to the NSW Government and Urban Growth NSW for their efforts to deliver on their impressive vision for White Bay Power Station,” said a Google spokesperson.
“Through the genuine and productive negotiations in the last few months we've come to realise that achieving that vision isn't possible within our timeframe.”
The spokesperson said that even though Google had discontinued negotiations over the White Bay, the company is still committed to finding a “an alternative long-term home here in Sydney”.
The site, currently lacking any public transport, is expected to eventually have a Sydney Metro West [railway] stop.
A spokesperson for UrbanGrowth NSW said the government remains committed to the development of White Bay Power Station as a technology and innovation hub.
