Sydney is now home to the world’s best fish market following the Minns Labor Government completing the new Sydney Fish Market that officially opens for business today.
Rising from the water on Sydney Harbour, the new Fish Market is the third major landmark on Sydney Harbour joining the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and is set to attract more than six million local and international visitors each year.
This globally recognised architectural marvel combines world leading engineering with state-of-the-art technology bringing together a fully operational wholesale fish market, where retail, dining, education and public space all come together under the one spectacular fish scale inspired roof.
Seafood lovers, fishers and the broader community can now enjoy double the retail space of the old fish market, with the spectacular new building offering 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.
The new Sydney Fish Market also includes modern facilities for wholesalers including ice-making systems capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice daily, live crustacean tanks, and a brand-new auction room, visible to the public.
In addition to the building, the precinct features 6,000 square metres of public domain including a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade where locals and visitors can connect, relax or stroll through.
Additional light rail services will support the new Sydney Fish Market with even more public transport options to follow, including a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.
The Minns Labor Government has also partnered with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, where 1,400 new homes will be built, along with 2.6 hectares of public space as well as a new promenade completing the 15 kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Today Sydney opens the doors to what is undoubtedly the best fish market in the world — a new iconic Sydney landmark rising straight out of our harbour, showcasing world-class Australian seafood that gives locals and visitors another must-see destination in our city.”
“The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year, and we expect this new one to double that to more than six million, making it a magnet for tourism, jobs and spending, and a powerful boost for the NSW economy.”
“It will be boosted by a new ferry service, additional light rail services and a brand new metro station at Pyrmont, all while unlocking huge public spaces and 1,400 new homes on the old fish market site.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“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 and world leading destination you simply can’t miss.
“Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone from fresh seafood, to take-away fish and chips, fine dining overlooking the Western Harbour and opens up fantastic new public spaces for the community to relax and enjoy.
“The new facility also helps to unlock more housing, with the old fish market site already rezoned to enable the delivery of 1400 new water front homes.”
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said
“The new Sydney Fish Market is a magnificent development that will give an enormous boost to the NSW commercial seafood industry.
“For years to come will support the more than 1000, mostly small family businesses, that make up our commercial seafood industry.
“This market represents the future, showcasing our state’s seafood to the world and it is a powerful platform for the future of the industry.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“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 major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.
“As the state’s newest landmark and a striking new icon to Sydney Harbour, it is set to achieve global recognition on par with the Sydney Opera House.
“An architectural and engineering triumph, the Sydney Fish Market features state‑of‑the‑art systems, cutting‑edge facilities and a purpose‑built design that supports a fully operational wholesale and retail hub, built to serve generations of seafood lovers.
“With waterfront dining, fresh seafood experiences and vibrant public spaces, it’s designed to draw locals and travellers back time and again.”
Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:
“As of today, Sydney can proudly lay claim to the best fish market in the world.
“From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, the market delivers a multi-layered destination that locals and visitors will want to return to time and again.
“Beyond food and beverage, the market also features a selection of specialty retailers, adding to its dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is a proud masthead for the Australian seafood industry, showcasing spectacular produce to the world.”