Sydney Fish Market officially opens on Monday after extensive delays
The new $800 million Sydney Fish Market officially opened on Monday after extensive delays.
The new Fish Market on Sydney Harbor will attract more than six million domestic and international visitors each year.
The retail space of the former fish market will merge into the brand new building, which now serves up to 40 food and retail operators, from takeaway options to waterfront restaurants.
It also includes facilities for wholesalers, including ice-making systems capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice per day, live conch tanks and a new auction room visible to the public.
The new area will also include a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade for locals and visitors to stroll.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says Sydney has opened its doors to what is undoubtedly the best fish market in the world.
“Rising just outside our harbour, it is the new iconic Sydney landmark, showcasing world-class Australian seafood and offering locals and visitors another must-see in our city,” he said.
The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year and we expect this new market to double that to over six million, becoming a magnet for tourism, employment and spending and a strong boost to the NSW economy.
“It will be boosted by a new ferry service, additional light rail services and a brand new tube station in Pyrmont, while also unlocking huge public spaces and 1,400 new homes on the former fish market site.”
Additional light rail services will also begin to support the new market, the new ferry terminal, improvements to the Wentworth Park light rail and the soon-to-be-built metro at Pyrmont.
The former fish market at Blackwattle Bay will now have 1,400 new homes, as well as 2.6 hectares of public space and a new promenade, complementing the 15-kilometre coastal walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
Meanwhile, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the market contained a “unique mix of wholesalers, retailers and restaurants”.
“Whether you’re a foodie, a fisherman or an architecture enthusiast, the Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone, from fresh seafood to takeaway fish and chips to fine dining with views of Western Harbour, opening up fantastic new public spaces for the community to relax and enjoy,” he said.
“The new facility is also helping to unlock more housing; the former fish market site has already been redeveloped to enable the delivery of 1,400 new waterside homes.”
The new market exceeded its original $250 million budget in 2019, with the NSW government committing an additional $500 million for the upgrade.
Upon completion, the budget increased again to $836 million.
After many delays, the new market’s opening date was set last year but was cancelled.
