Lording over the waters of Blackwattle Bay since the 1960s, Sydney Fish Market isn’t just one of the largest markets in Sydney; it’s the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and the third largest fish market in the world. Supplying fresh fish to Sydney restaurants and retailers, it remains a crucial part of Sydney’s economy and food scene. However, its appeal as a tourist destination has dwindled over the years, which is where the current redevelopment plans come into frame. The new Sydney Fish Market is set to open next year, and has been billed as the most important waterside building in Sydney since the Opera House was built, so here’s a look at some shiny new images and a peek at what’ll be inside it.
What to expect at the new Sydney Fish Market
As you can see from the pictures provided by the architecture firm, this is going to be one swish house of fish. Danish architectural firm 3XN, who have offices in Sydney, are the team behind the project, and the new market is undeniably impressive, with a timber lattice roof that’s reminiscent of fish scales and will let the light come spilling in. The firm is aiming for a market that’s both a “world-class foodie destination” – think along the lines of Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo – and a community with vendors and operators at the heart of it.
To attract all those foodies, the new Sydney Fish Market has reeled in a big name; celebrity chef Luke Nguyen will be running a diner with a strong Southeast Asian influence. There’s no word on the name, menu, or anything else, but it’s set to be one of the main draws. Visitors can also expect a whole host of retailers and producers, so it’ll be a one-stop shop for your fish suppers too.
Elsewhere, you can expect to find an outpost of the city’s popular Ho Jiak chain, serving up delicious Malaysian street food, and a southern US-inspired joint called Bayside Boys, which will trade in burgers, beers, and lobsters. There’s a first-ever venue for culinary veterans Hailey Nghiem and Charlie Dinh, who will establish Banh Mi & Phin at the market to serve banh mi and other Vietnamese favourites, and Nanjing Dumplings will serve regional Chinese cuisine. Finally, an izakaya and dedicated sake bar from Japanese Collective will surely be a popular destination for food lovers.
In addition, and in keeping with plans to establish a continuous foreshore walk between the Opera House and Parramatta, visitors will be able to walk along the harbour’s edge as part of the new development. The NSW Government page notes that returning previous inaccessible parts of the foreshore to the community is a key pledge of the project, and the amphitheatre-style seating will provide serene views over the water.
When will the new Sydney Fish Market open?
An original opening date of late 2024 has been revised, and the market will now open in early 2025, although the exact opening date is still TBC. Once the doors do open, the market is expected to attract around six million visitors per year, doubling the current visitor numbers and enhancing a neighbourhood already known for its weekend markets.
Can I still visit the original market?
If the fancy takes you, of course. The existing market remains fully operational whilst the new market is under construction, as the new market takes shape on an adjacent wharf in Blackwattle Bay. The original bills itself as ‘Australia’s Home of Seafood‘, and the new market doesn’t just represent a tourist attraction, it also provides $750 million of support for the nation’s seafood industry.
We’ll keep you updated on the project as it moves towards completion, and as soon as there’s an o-fish-al opening date…