NSW Premier Mike Baird's vision for a Silicon Valley-like tech hub in Sydney's inner west is doomed unless there is public transport to service it, critics say.
Mr Baird is hopeful the transformation of the formerly industrial Bays Precinct on Sydney Harbour into a major focal point for the technology industry will bring some of the world's leading companies to Australia.
But Opposition Leader Luke Foley believes the redevelopment will fail to attract business without options for people to easily access the location.
GIF showing the transformation from 2010 - 2015 Source: Supplied
"I want to see world-class urban renewal through the Bays Precinct," Mr Foley told reporters.
"But it will only ever become a reality unless we have a public transport solution."
Labor is calling for a feasibility study for a metro rail line servicing the precinct.
The proposal to transform the rundown zone into a "silicon harbour" covers almost 100 hectares - taking in White Bay, Glebe Island and Rozelle - and includes more than five kilometres of waterfront, according to Mr Baird's blueprint released on Thursday.
The redevelopment would give the state a "competitive advantage" in boosting its participation in the tech world.
"We want to make sure we stay ahead of the curve," Mr Baird said from the decaying White Bay Power Station in Rozelle.
NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes said plans combining light rail, bus, road and pedestrian access, as well as additional housing, were under consideration in conjunction with the redevelopment.
"It's very important we have an opportunity to calibrate the transport that is provided with the sorts of development we're likely to see," he said.
Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne backed Mr Foley's calls for an accompanying transit service.
A request for proposals to redevelop sections of the district begins next week.
