The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened at Blackwattle Bay, bringing wholesale seafood trading together with public retail and dining in a single precinct.
Home to 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, the market spans more than 26,000 square metres and combines fresh seafood trading with food retail and hospitality. It replaces the former site with a redesigned working market that allows public access to daily operations, including live auctions.
“The new market preserves the authenticity of Sydney Fish Market, while improving the environment for both trade and public customers. It also opens up the working market to the public, giving people a view of the live auctions and daily operations in a way that has never been possible before,” said Adam Mourad, Sydney Fish Market chief commercial officer.
Delivered by the New South Wales Government and constructed by Multiplex, the project forms part of a broader investment in Sydney’s visitor economy and seafood sector.
“An architectural and engineering triumph, the Sydney Fish Market features state of the art systems, facilities and a purpose built design that supports a fully operational wholesale and retail hub, built to serve generations of seafood lovers,” said minister for lands and property Steve Kamper.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s must visit destinations, ready to welcome up to six million visitors a year and deliver a boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.”
Designed by 3XN GXN Architects in association with BVN Architecture and ASPECT Studios, the building includes public waterfront spaces alongside purpose built facilities for industry operations.
“With a unique mix of wholesalers, retail and dining all housed in a state of the art building the new Sydney Fish Market is a landmark destination,” said minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully.
“Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone from fresh seafood, take away fish and chips, fine dining overlooking the Western Harbour and new public spaces for the community.”
Beyond seafood retail and dining, the precinct includes fresh produce, deli goods, baked items, gelato and an olive oil concept store. Visitors can also access behind the scenes tours, Sydney Seafood School masterclasses and experiences recognising First Nations fishing traditions.
“The opening of the new Sydney Fish Market marks a defining moment not only for our organisation, but for Australia’s seafood industry,” said Sydney Fish Market chief executive officer Daniel Jarosch.
“This new precinct creates a platform for our fishers, wholesalers and retailers, while offering visitors an experience that celebrates the quality, diversity and sustainability of Australian seafood.
“Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again, not just to buy seafood, but to experience it. From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its cuisines, we expect it to become a destination for locals and visitors.”
The market will operate from 7.00am to 10.00pm on weekdays Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.