New life for Sydney's fish market

A new $250 million fish market will be developed at Blackwattle Bay on a site adjacent the current Sydney Fish Market under a scheme expected to double visitors to one of the city’s biggest attractions.

The NSW Government will call for Registrations of Interest from the world’s best design and engineering experts to produce an iconic fish and produce market.

An historic agreement has been reached between UrbanGrowth NSW and the leaseholders of the Sydney Fish Market to proceed to the next stage of the development of a new market, which includes design, site investigations, planning and negotiations.

“The Sydney Fish Market is already one of Sydney’s great attractions but our world famous harbour deserves something even better,” NSW Premier Mike Baird said.

“The current facilities are tired and run down and upgrading and expanding the markets was a challenge that defeated the previous government.

“As part of this plan, brand new, world-class food and dining facilities will be built on Sydney Harbour – creating a haven for foodies and tourists.

“More than three million people visit the fish market every year and after the development of a new market that figure is expected to double.”

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Government is now calling for registrations of interest from Australia and worldwide to create a new Sydney Fish Market to ensure design excellence.

“We want to attract leading talent from across the world who have the vision to design a world-class market befitting of this stunning location,” Mr Stokes said.

“We will work closely with a design review panel that includes the NSW Government Architect, City of Sydney and an independent architect.”

The new markets will be constructed at Blackwattle Bay with levels under the waterline. Wharves will offer mooring space for the city’s fishing fleet and recreational vessels. The development of the new market will also restore public access from the Wentworth Park through to the waterfront.

Construction of the new building will proceed while the existing operations continue at the present site.

While the design is yet to be determined, the building will offer 35,000 square metres of floorspace – more than double its present size.

The retail space will grow from the present 6,582 square metres to 15,500 square metres with seafood sales complemented by additional fresh produce lines.

There will be outdoor dining seating for more than 3,000 guests and the possibility of the inclusion of a rooftop bar.

The Registration of Interest process is seeking to engage designers and engineers with extensive experience in delivering creative and innovative projects that are sustainable and sensitive to the surrounding community and environment.

The project cost will be offset by a mixed-use development on the site of the present fish market and car park. Wentworth Park will not be affected by the project. The new market will not include any residential development

Construction of the new fish market is expected to commence in late 2018.