The Sydney Fish Market (SFM) is set for a complete overhaul, at a new location at the head of Blackwattle Bay.
The first step in the tendering process is now underway, with interest being sought in designing and engineering services for the project.
The overhaul will see a new Sydney Fish Market constructed adjacent to its current Blackwattle Bay location. The redeveloped Sydney Fish Market will be double its current size and have improved public access to the waterfront.
The project will be managed by UrbanGrowth NSW in partnership with SFM.
“As much as Sydney loves its fish market, we have long outgrown our existing facilities and a total re-imagination of the site and offering is needed for our customers,” Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper said.
“Our business case and customer research with Destination NSW shows there is strong demand for a bigger and better customer offering at Blackwattle Bay that retains the authentic market atmosphere.
“People love the unique experience of one of the world's few genuine wholesale and retail fish markets, with its working wharf and fishing fleet delivering the catch of the day.
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“A rejuvenated Sydney Fish Market will be the centrepiece of the Bays Precinct providing an expanded fresh food marketplace and dining destination, connected to the water.”
Sydney Fish Market has operated at Blackwattle Bay for 50 years and is the biggest fish market in the southern hemisphere. It’s owned by the NSW seafood industry; fishers and aquaculturists plus tenants and merchants.
A study commissioned by SFM and prepared by Deloitte Access Economics has established that Sydney Fish Market currently contributes a wider social and economic value of more than $300 million per annum to the NSW economy (on top of the value of business conducted on-site). The research estimates that the redevelopment will boost the NSW economy by a further $54 million per annum through consumer benefits and another $52 million per annum through tourism.
The rejuvenated facility will include:
- A new building with public boardwalks and improved open foreshore space for dining and leisure activities.
- An improved wholesale market with live auctions that are more open and accessible to the public.
- Seafood retail outlets and fresh produce markets.
- Expanded and upgraded food and beverage options, including caf, bar and restaurant experiences throughout the day and night.
- Sydney Seafood School expanding into a larger, culinary training and education facility.
- Better 'back of house' facilities for fishers and retailers including state of the art refrigeration and improved storage.
- Additional parking and improved access by road for both customers and suppliers.
