Parramatta set to rival CBD

Parramatta could soon rival the Sydney CBD as a business hub, but only if the State Government delivers on promised infrastructure.

A new expanded Parramatta CBD is expected to ease many pressures associated with Sydney’s booming population within 10 years.

Robert Lang, CEO of Parramatta Council, said, “This is a prime example of the city hub model. But it will be more than just a second CBD; it will be a twin city.”

However, Dr Lang yesterday warned that the success of the new growth corridor would hinge on attracting critical infrastructure and transport links to Western Sydney.

“Parramatta Council does not have the capacity to deliver this [the required infrastructure]. The State Government needs to step up its efforts now and we will need a coordinated approach from government at all levels,” he said

Speaking at a Committee for Sydney Policy Forum, “Cities within Cities”, Dr Lang claimed Parramatta already has a strong economic foundation, providing it with a natural platform to become a national and potentially, international hub.

“With a $14.2 billion economy, Parramatta is the centre of the third biggest economic zone in country, after Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.

Forecasts indicate that a growth target of 30,000 new workers over a twenty-year period will be easily met, adding significantly to the 16,000 businesses and 90,000-strong workforce that currently occupy the CBD.

The centerpiece of the Council’s vision – termed the “dumbbell model” – is the Civic Place development. At a cost of $1.6 billion (based on a five year old valuation), it will be Australia’s the second largest urban re-development after Barangaroo in Sydney’s CBD.

Scheduled to commence next year, Civic Place is expected to add over 10,000 workers to the Parramatta CBD upon its completion in 2016-17.

It will accommodate buildings of up to forty stories – double the height of Parramatta’s tallest current building.

Dr Lang cites funding and the successful delivery of infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions as the greatest impediments to Parramatta’s success as a rival economic centre in Greater Sydney.

Of great concern to the Council has been the State Government’s inability to deliver and implement an agreed plan for a rail link to service the rapidly growing Northwest corridor.

Plans to date have had all proposed railway lines between the Northwest and Sydney’s CBC running through Epping.

Deputy Chair of the Committee for Sydney, Lucy Turnbull, agreed with Dr Lang’s view.

“To not have the Northwest rail link hub in Parramatta, would be a deep and abiding tragedy,” she said.

by Michael Davis