Government rejects plans for new Google HQ in Sydney

THE NSW government’s decision to reject a proposal to build a Sydney technology hub, headlined with Google headquarters, is about finding the best deal for taxpayers, the acting premier says.

Google submitted plans to turn Sydney’s carriagworks into a new hub.

The NSW government’s decision to reject a proposal to build a Sydney technology hub, headlined with Google headquarters, is about finding the best deal for taxpayers, the acting premier says.

The unsolicited proposal from developer Mirvac last year was to convert the Carriageworks at Eveleigh into a Silicon Valley-style hub featuring Google’s new Australian base.

Google are reportedly considering a move to Melbourne.

The government, however, decided to open the publicly-owned land, which is about five kilometres from the CBD, up to a competitive tender process.

Acting Premier John Barilaro said today Google should not see the decision as a rejection, and the government hoped the tech giant would still end up at the Eveleigh site near Redfern station.

The government has urged Google not to see the result as a defeat.

“All we’re saying is that we’ll go through a market process to make sure that we get the best return on investment on behalf of taxpayers,” Mr Barilaro told reporters in Sydney.

“Google understands.”

While there were reports Google was considering a move to Melbourne following the failed bid, AAP understands the company holds no current plans for an interstate move.

A Google spokesman declined to comment.