Seafood lovers to give Pyrmont site ‘last goodbye’ as new Sydney Fish Market opening in January

Sydney's new $836m Fish Market will miss the Christmas rush, with operators revealing the much-delayed development won't open until January 19.

The new Sydney Fish Market will open its doors on January 19, in time for the Australia Day weekend.

Sydneysiders will have to wait until after Christmas to buy their seafood at the new Sydney Fish Market, with the much-delayed development to open to the public in January.

The Saturday Telegraph can exclusively reveal the markets will open its doors on January 19, in time for the Australia Day weekend.

While the site had been expected to open in time for the festive season, Sydney Fish Market chief executive Daniel Jarosch said delaying the launch until early next year enabled the individual tenants enough time to complete their fit-outs and train staff.

The delay meant people would be able to have “one last goodbye” at the old site before the markets moved next door to the new harbourside location on Blackwattle Bay.

“We’ve waited decades for this new market, and taking this time means we can open with a bang,” Mr Jarosch said.

“A January opening gives tenants the time to finish fit-outs this year, and then train staff and prepare operationally, so that they are ready to deliver an incredible experience from day one.

“It will also mean a smooth experience for Sydneysiders as they buy their seafood for Christmas. It is an important tradition among many families and we want to make sure nothing stands in their way.”

The $836m project has been plagued with cost blowouts and delays.

The $836m project had been scheduled to be completed in 2024, but has been plagued with cost blowouts and delays.

Business leaders, politicians and investors were this week taken behind the scenes for an exclusive preview of the site, though the opening date was kept under wraps.

Minister for Lands and Property and Tourism Steve Kamper said the government would hand the keys to Sydney Fish Market Pty Ltd once “practical completion” was reached in mid-November.

The opening date was decided upon by market operators based on when the individual retailers were ready to open their doors.

It confirms earlier revelations in The Daily Telegraph that the tenants were behind schedule and would not be ready for the holiday rush.

The new market will feature more than 40 retailers, diverse dining options, immersive visitor experiences and a striking sustainable design with open spaces set to attract more than six million visitors each year.

Until January 19, visitors are being encouraged to visit the old Pyrmont site for a “last goodbye” during the Christmas 36-hour seafood marathon when retailers will open their doors from 5am on December 23 to 5pm on Christmas Eve.

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Originally published as Seafood lovers to give Pyrmont site ‘last goodbye’ as new Sydney Fish Market opening in January