Rowing club’s concerns over size of revamped Sydney Fish Market

Sydney’s elite rowers have forced architects behind the new Sydney Fish Market back to the drawing board after they kicked up a stink over the size of the new development.

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Sydney’s elite rowers have forced architects behind the new Sydney Fish Market back to the drawing board after they kicked up a stink over the size of the new development.

Glebe Rowing Club have asked designers of the new $250 million fish market at Blackwattle Bay to reduce the size of the three wharves proposed for the 3.6ha site.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph, outgoing Sydney Fish Markets general manager Bryan Skepper said the rowers “raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed new wharves to their facilities in Blackwattle Bay”.

What the design of the Sydney Fish Markets will look like.

The $250m plans has now been thrown into chaos with concerns raised by a rowing club nearby.

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“We have had fruitful discussions with the rowers and as a result the design team is investigating options that will have less impact on the rowers and still be operationally efficient,” Mr Skepper said.

“The consultation on the wharf remains ongoing and we are confident that all parties will be getting a better outcome.”

After a number of failed attempts last century, the State Government is on the verge of getting a revamped Sydney Fish Markets across the line.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian released plans for the site in November last year after announcing the redevelopment in 2016.

The new markets will be moved 200m away from the current site, on Pyrmont Bridge Rd, towards Bridge Rd at Glebe.

Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper, pictured with Premier Gladys Berejiklian and architect Kim Herforth Nielsen. Picture: Chris Pavlich

The current site will be sold to finance the new building, which will also feature a ferry stop and 6000sq m of new public space. It is due to open in 2023.

Glebe Rowing Club did not respond to requests for comment.

The redevelopment comes as Mr Skepper this week resigned from his role of general manager after eight years in the top job and 44 years at the markets.

He said cited family reasons, saying his loved ones are looking forward to him coming home not smelling of fish.

“I believe we have now reached the stage where it is time for me to retire from full-time employment and pass the baton to someone else to take this project through the final approval processes and construction,” he said.

“However, I am looking forward to continuing to be involved in this exciting development through a part-time advisory role.”