AUSTRALIA | The highly anticipated new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened its doors, marking a major milestone for Australia’s seafood industry.
As the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the new precinct reimagined one of Sydney’s iconic institutions as a world-class destination for seafood, dining and community.
Set on Blackwattle Bay and home to 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, the new Sydney Fish Market spans more than 26,000 square metres and features an exciting mix of fresh produce, dining and retail, celebrating Australian seafood and global cuisines.
Seafood trading at the innovative new site officially kicked off with the first auction, where charity items were auctioned to mark the milestone.
A fisherman’s basket celebrating the very best of NSW produce including Yellowfin Tuna (donated by Joe Lagana and Shane Ralph - Calibre), a box of Mud Crab (donated by the Lee and Ben Monin, Commercial Fishermen’s Co-op) and a box of Eastern Rock Lobster (donated by Danny Stewart, Coff’s Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op) were auctioned using traditional voice auction. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to OceanWatch Australia.
“The new market preserves the authenticity of Sydney Fish Market, while significantly improving the environment for both trade and public customers,” said Adam Mourad, Sydney Fish Market's Chief Commercial Officer.
“It also opens up the working market to the public, giving people a view of the live auctions and daily operations in a way that has never been possible before.”
Delivered by the New South Wales Government as a state-significant infrastructure project and constructed by Multiplex, the new Sydney Fish Market represents a major investment in Sydney’s visitor economy and Australia’s seafood industry.
“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,” said Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper.
“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.”
Designed by 3XN GXN Architects, in association with BVN Architecture and ASPECT Studios, the market features a globally significant waterfront building with expansive public spaces and purpose-built facilities for both industry operations and public access.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said that, 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.”
Bringing everything under one spectacular roof, the revitalised market is expected to attract over six million visitors annually.
Beyond the wide variety of fresh and cooked seafood, visitors can find a range of exciting retailers, including fresh produce, deli goods, baked goods, gelato, and even Australia’s first olive oil concept store.
Immersive experiences include behind-the-scenes tours, masterclasses at Sydney Seafood School, and cultural storytelling that celebrates First Nations fishing traditions.
Sydney Fish Market CEO, Daniel Jarosch, added that the opening was a defining moment not only for the organisation, but for Australia’s seafood industry.
“This new precinct creates a global platform for our fishers, wholesalers and retailers, while offering visitors an authentic, immersive experience that celebrates the quality, diversity and sustainability of Australian seafood,” he said.
“Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again, not just to buy seafood, but to experience it. From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, we expect it to become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists both throughout Australia and around the globe.”
The market invites locals and visitors alike to experience Sydney’s seafood culture across the day and into the night.
