New Sydney Fish Market will scale fresh heights

A WORLD-class $250 million Sydney Fish Market will be built on the water at Blackwattle Bay, with the current eyesore demolished to make way for apartments to pay for the plan.

The Sydney Fish Market is set for a bold new look.

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A WORLD-class $250 million Sydney Fish Market will be built on the water at Blackwattle Bay, with the current eyesore demolished to make way for apartments to pay for the plan.

The Baird government’s move to revitalise the tired old markets and build the new tourist site is aimed at doubling visitors to one of the city’s top attractions from three million to six million a year.

The current site is already the biggest fish market in the southern hemisphere but the new markets — to be built by late 2020 — will be twice the size, with levels under the waterline as well as several floors of retail space.

An artist’s impression of a revamped Sydney Fish Markets. Picture: Supplied

The plan will also restore public access from Wentworth Park to the waterfront.

The policy is the outcome of a historic agreement ­between state government agency Urban Growth NSW and the leaseholders of the Sydney Fish Market.

The government will call for registrations of interest from the “world’s best design and engineering experts” to produce the markets.

The new look market would extend out into the water.

It is the next step in the government’s ambitious ­development of the Bays ­Precinct, which includes the ­redevelopment of the White Bay power station into a tech hub. The new fish market complex will include restaurants, an atrium and possibly a rooftop bar.

“The Sydney Fish Market is already one of Sydney’s great attractions but our world-famous Harbour deserves something even better,” Premier Mike Baird said.

“The current facilities are tired and run down. Upgrading and expanding the markets was a challenge that defeated the previous government. As part of this plan, brand-new, world-class food and dining facilities will be built on Sydney Harbour, creating a haven for foodies and tourists.”

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said he hoped for registrations of interest from Australia and worldwide to “ensure design excellence”.

The less than inspiring market in action this weekend. Picture: Adam Yip/ The Daily Telegraph

Kai Ho Yip at work at Nicholas Seafood Traders in the Sydney Fish Markets. Picture: Adam Yip/ The Daily Telegraph

“We want to attract leading talent with the vision to design a world-class market befitting of this stunning location,” Mr Stokes said.

At the new markets, wharves will offer mooring for the city’s fishing fleet and recreational vessels.

The existing markets will remain open while the new complex is built. The design is yet to be determined, but the building will offer 35,000sq m of floorspace — more than double its present size. Retail space will grow from the present 6582sq m to 15,500sq m.

The existing site and the proposed new site, adjacent to it. Picture: Supplied

There will be outdoor dining seating for more than 3000 customers. The project cost will be offset by a “mixed-use development” including apartments on the site of the present fish market and car park. Construction of the new facility is expected to commence in late 2018.

Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper welcomed Mr Baird’s announcement, saying: “As much as Sydney loves its fish market, we have long outgrown our existing facilities.”

The new building will also include public boardwalks, improved open foreshore space and a wholesale market with live auctions.