After years of meticulous planning, budgetary challenges, and project delays, Sydney’s new $800 million fish market has finally opened its doors. Touted as the most significant harbourside development since the iconic Opera House, the new facility is expected to double the market’s annual visitor numbers to an impressive 6 million.
The path to realizing this redevelopment was anything but straightforward. Retailers have already identified several teething issues as the market begins its operations. However, the excitement surrounding the opening is palpable, with many eager to explore the new offerings.
The Journey to a New Fish Market
Blackwattle Bay in Pyrmont has been the home of the Sydney Fish Market since 1966, boasting the title of the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the market was a bustling hub where fresh fish were auctioned off to eager buyers. However, concerns about the deteriorating condition of the marketplace prompted the NSW Liberal government to announce a redevelopment plan in 2016.
The project initially had a budget of $250 million, but by 2019, the state government committed an additional $500 million to the rebuild. By completion, the budget had escalated to $836 million, reflecting the scale and ambition of the project. Despite numerous delays, the new market’s opening date was finally set last year, marking a new chapter in Sydney’s harbourside history.
What’s New at the Fish Market?
The new market, housed under a sprawling 200-meter-wide canopy roof, is approximately 20 percent larger than its predecessor. Operating hours have been extended, with the market now closing at 10 PM to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. The facility hosts about 40 retailers, including all the former market tenants and over 20 new businesses.
Among the new faces is celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Nguyen, who will launch Lua Restaurant and Bar. Award-winning gelateria Cow and the Moon will offer icy delights, while Dirty Red introduces the market’s first small bar, Little Red Wine Bar. Although not all businesses will be operational immediately, around a dozen retailers are set to open in the coming days and weeks.
For businesses, the new centre includes dedicated wharves for commercial fishing boats to unload their catch directly into the market. The wholesale and auction facilities have been revamped, and new large-scale ice-making and crate-washing infrastructure has been installed to enhance business efficiency.
Location and Accessibility
The new fish market is situated on a wharf adjacent to the existing site, which is earmarked for residential redevelopment. Due to limited parking and anticipated heavy traffic, authorities recommend using public transport to visit the centre. The old Fish Market light rail stop will be renamed Bank Street, with commuters advised to disembark at Wentworth Park, approximately 400 meters from the new venue.
Significant investments are being made to improve accessibility, with $40 million allocated for upgrades to the Wentworth Park stop, including new lifts, ramps, lighting, and CCTV installations. Additionally, 150 weekly services have been added to the L1 Dulwich Hill Line to accommodate increased demand, with evening trams running more frequently.
Bus routes 389 and 501 continue to serve Pyrmont and Ultimo, providing access to the new site. Furthermore, $30 million has been earmarked for a commuter wharf at Blackwattle Bay, with a ferry service planned to link the new market to Barangaroo. However, this project is still in the design phase, and ferry services are not expected to commence until 2027.
The Future of Sydney’s Fish Market
The opening of the new Sydney Fish Market marks a significant milestone in the city’s development, promising to enhance the local economy and tourism. As the market settles into its new home, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to attract millions of visitors and provide a vibrant culinary and cultural experience.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on resolving initial operational challenges and ensuring the market meets the expectations of both retailers and visitors. With its strategic location and expanded offerings, the new fish market is poised to become a cornerstone of Sydney’s harbourside attractions.
