New Sydney Fish Market gets official go-ahead

Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay will have a whole new look with the New South Wales Government today approving final plans for a revitalisation project. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light paves the way for construction on the site to begin, creating 700 construction jobs and more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new markets open in 2024.

“Projects equal jobs. Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery out of this pandemic which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects in NSW, creating thousands of jobs,” Berejiklian said.

“This is an exciting step forward for the new Sydney Fish Market, with construction to soon get underway on this incredible new precinct on the doorstep of the CBD.

“Not only will the new Sydney Fish Market continue to be the beating heart of our state’s seafood industry, it will also continue to lead the way as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”

The new Sydney Fish Market has been designed by Danish architect 3XN, in association with Sydney firms BVN and Aspect Studios, and will be built over the waters of Blackwattle Bay and adjacent to the current site. 

Visitor numbers to the market are expected to double over the next 10 years, from three million to six million each year.

The new building will include a variety of fishmongers, restaurants, cafés, bars, and specialty food retailers in a four-storey market hall setting, as well as new public promenades and a ferry wharf.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Sydney Fish Market was approved through the Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program. 

“This is the 33rd project determined through the new accelerated assessment program, introduced as part of the NSW Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Stokes said.

Early works for the Sydney Fish Markets are expected to commence within the next eight weeks, with a stage one contract to be awarded shortly. A tender process is also underway for the major construction phase, which is expected to start in early 2021.

For more information visit the Sydney Fish Market webpage.