Rising from the harbour at Blackwattle Bay, the redeveloped market has been presented by the Minns Labor Government as a new waterfront landmark, expected to draw more than six million visitors a year and act as a major lift for tourism, jobs and the state’s seafood industry. Photo/Facebook
Sydney’s new Fish Market opened its doors today, marking the next chapter for one of the city’s most familiar institutions and prompting competing claims from the government and the opposition over its origins and broader meaning for New South Wales.
Rising from the harbour at Blackwattle Bay, the redeveloped market has been presented by the Minns Labor Government as a new waterfront landmark, expected to draw more than six million visitors a year and act as a major lift for tourism, jobs and the state’s seafood industry.
Premier Chris Minns said the opening placed Sydney on a new footing as a global food destination. “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,” he said.
“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,” Mr Minns said.
The new facility brings wholesale trading, retail, dining, education and public space together under a roof inspired by fish scales. It offers double the retail space of the old market, with 40 food and retail operators ranging from casual takeaway to waterfront restaurants. Behind the scenes, wholesalers now operate with new ice-making systems capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice a day, live crustacean tanks and a new auction room visible to the public.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the market was designed to appeal to a broad audience. “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,” he said.
“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,” Mr Scully said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns
‘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 surrounding precinct adds 6,000 square metres of public domain, including creative installations, a water play art feature and a waterfront promenade. Additional light rail services are being introduced, with a new ferry wharf planned, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the future Pyrmont metro station intended to improve access.
Beyond the new building, the government has partnered with Mirvac to redevelop the former fish market site, with plans for 1,400 new homes, 2.6 hectares of public space and a promenade completing a 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. Mr Minns said the project would be strengthened by transport links and housing delivery, “all while unlocking huge public spaces and 1,400 new homes on the old fish market site”.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the development would underpin the commercial seafood sector for decades. “The new Sydney Fish Market is a magnificent development that will give an enormous boost to the NSW commercial seafood industry,” she said.
“For years to come will support the more than 1000, mostly small family businesses, that make up our commercial seafood industry,” Ms Moriarty said. She described the market as “a powerful platform for the future of the industry”.
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper said the facility was designed to stand alongside Sydney’s most recognisable icons. “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,” he said.
“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,” Mr Kamper said.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh with Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane (L)
‘Today marks a major step forward for seafood producers and the thousands of locals whose livelihoods are linked to this industry’
The opposition welcomed the opening while emphasising the project’s origins under the former Coalition government. Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane described the moment as one of civic pride. “The Sydney Fish Market plays a big part in the life of our city, particularly around major family celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, and now it finally has the world-class home it deserves,” Ms Sloane said.
She credited the project’s beginnings to the previous government. “This project was started thanks to the clear vision and ambition of the former NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, and it is fantastic to see it open its doors today,” she said. Ms Sloane used the occasion to draw a contrast with the current administration, arguing that “under the Minns Labor Government, NSW’s infrastructure pipeline is running dry, with fewer transformational projects and no credible plan to create jobs, drive tourism or lift productivity across NSW”.
For regional producers and small operators, the reopening carries wider implications beyond the city. NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said the upgrade had been overdue. “The Sydney Fish Market is a renowned attraction and this upgrade is long overdue,” he said.
“Today marks a major step forward for seafood producers and the thousands of locals whose livelihoods are linked to this industry,” Mr Singh said, adding, “This is a win for small business, a win for tourism and a win for NSW.”
Sydney Fish Market chief executive Daniel Jarosch said the new facility was designed as a destination rather than a single-purpose venue. “As of today, Sydney can proudly lay claim to the best fish market in the world,” he said.
“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,” Mr Jarosch said. He described the market as “a proud masthead for the Australian seafood industry, showcasing spectacular produce to the world”.
As the first customers pass through its doors, the new Sydney Fish Market stands as both a working hub for the seafood trade and a public showpiece on the harbour, even as political debate continues over how such projects are conceived, delivered and claimed.
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