Construction of the new Sydney Fish Market building has now reached ‘practical completion’.
With the keys officially handed over to Sydney Fish Market, they will now work closely with its retail tenants as they complete their fit outs in preparation to open to the public in January.
“With construction now complete, we’re thrilled to be one step closer to our move into the new Sydney Fish Market – a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that will proudly showcase Sydney on the global stage,” says Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch.
“We’re excited to see our retailers’ impressive fit outs come to life ahead of opening early in the new year.
“Sydneysiders will enjoy a last hurrah at the existing fish market over the busy festive season, while we work behind the scenes for a seamless transition to our outstanding new home.”
Services and experiences
The new site is approximately 20% larger than the current facility and will be home to more than 40 retailers, including fresh seafood outlets, specialty stores, cafes and restaurants.
Not just a retail or food-hall experience, the new Sydney Fish Market is deliberately designed as an authentic working fish market. Purpose-built for the seafood trade, the new market features dedicated wharves where commercial fishing vessels can berth and unload their catch directly into the market.
Inside are upgraded wholesale and auction facilities connecting Australia’s fishers with seafood buyers and businesses across Sydney and beyond. Behind the scenes, enhanced infrastructure such as large-scale ice-making and high-capacity crate-washing systems will support the heavy demands of Australia’s busiest seafood marketplace, ensuring operations remain efficient.
The structure and public domain
The new structure stands on 481 marine piles, 6000 tonnes of steel reinforcement, with over 400 roof cassettes and 594 glulam timber beams delivered by barge from Glebe Island.
The roof’s design allows sunlight during the day to illuminate upper levels, collect rainwater for recycling, and generate energy via solar panels to offset the building’s energy consumption. The roof can also be lit up with multi-coloured LED lights for special events.
Underneath the building, the project installed seawall tiles, coral panels and hanging fish habitats to support marine life in Blackwattle Bay into the future.
Additionally, there will be over 6000 square metres of accessible public domain and the site’s cultural and historical storytelling is integrated throughout the Civic Plaza with five creative installations that honour the area’s First Nations heritage and its industrial past.
Construction of the new Sydney Fish Market created more than 700 jobs, and the new facility will sustain 700 ongoing roles. Approximately $670 million in contracts were awarded to Australian businesses.
