Dear Premier,
Despite nearly a century of proposals and advocacy for reclaiming Parramatta Road, it remains Sydney's least favourite road – a scar on our city.
Light rail down Parramatta Road is not just a transport project. Light rail would catalyse tens of thousands of new homes, beautify existing precincts and a connect Sydney's innovation ecosystem.
Why now?
The first proposal for light rail on Parramatta Road was made over 20 years ago, but now momentum and support for the idea is growing. Recent research from Business Sydney, Business Western Sydney, the Housing Industry Association and the Committee for Sydney all advocate for this outcome.
The opening of WestConnex, upcoming West Metro and increased capacity on the T1 Western Line all increase capacity for travel on adjacent routes to Parramatta Road, providing the opportunity for this route to be prioritised for light rail, active transport and north-south travel across the corridor.
And now, with the recent announcement of 8,000 new homes to be built along Parramatta Road, we must act with complementary infrastructure to support them.
We are not going to solve the housing crisis without more housing – so I really welcome the announcement – but we can’t expect people to live well in higher density without improved public amenity – including public transport.
That's why it's so important this development occurs alongside the construction of a light rail along this corridor.
While the Government has paved the way for increased housing through these zoning changes, our experience in the successful Green Square urban renewal area is that zoning alone isn't enough – infrastructure delivery is crucial for attracting the level of private investment needed.
The perfect case study
We have all seen the transformation that George Street light rail has had on the City. What was once a grimy street clogged with noisy, polluting buses has been transformed into a tree-lined boulevard with quiet and efficient light rail.
The CBD and South East light rail line has attracted over $35 billion in private investment, including $8 billion in the CBD, across 1,700 construction projects along the entire light rail corridor.
The opportunity for further housing uplift
Light rail along Parramatta Road will attract investment in desperately needed new housing, contributing towards the National Housing Accord and local housing targets. Homes, including more affordable homes, will be well located, close to parks, recreational facilities, schools and universities, shops and services.
Based on preliminary analysis, Mecone found Parramatta Road light rail would create capacity for an additional 32,000 dwellings surrounding the corridor, between Central and Burwood (not including Green Square).
The importance of placemaking
Reclaiming Parramatta Road as a high street is possible with light rail as the catalyst. Making great places that people want to spend time and patronise local businesses on the corridor can only be achieved with more space for people.
We recognise the success of Sydney's light rail network and the investment it attracts in housing, jobs and communities. We welcome the City of Sydney's proposal to contribute $100m towards enhancing the public domain alongside light rail including widening footpaths, planting trees, new street furniture, paving and lighting to create beautiful places for people and businesses, if the NSW Government commits to this project.
The potential to grow Sydney's innovation ecosystem and 24-hour economy
Connecting Parramatta Road to Green Square via Central Station will transport thousands of workers and students to jobs and education, boost businesses, support the 24-hour economy, and contribute to Sydney's net-zero future by enabling more trips to be taken by public and active transport.
Light rail through the Tech Central Innovation Precinct will also support Sydney's start-up sector already estimated to be worth $102 billion, attracting around $10 billion investment each year. With improved connectivity, Tech Central will be Sydney's strongest drawcard for attracting talent, investment, scale-ups and global companies looking for an international office location.
The key ask
Commit to engaging with interested parties in the development of a business case for light rail along Parramatta Road to Green Square via Central Station.
While Parramatta Road will still be able to accommodate cars, light rail along the corridor could carry over 14,000 people per hour - the equivalent of 175 buses.
The route will service key places people want to get to such as the University of Sydney, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Broadway Shopping Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Tech Central and the library, aquatic centre and other community facilities at Green Square Town Centre.
We urge you to support this critical place-making project and commit to progress planning and community engagement as soon as possible.
For years successive State Governments have talked about rejuvenating Parramatta Road and Broadway, and this could be the kickstart needed.
It cannot wait any longer. Together, let's make it happen.
