It’s the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, and second only to Tokyo’s markets for its seafood varieties, so we’ve often wondered why the current site isn’t…. well, better.
Owned by the fishermen and retailers, Sydney Fish Market has been in operation at Blackwattle Bay for fifty years and it’s long overdue a facelift. The Fish Market is one of the most-visited attractions for tourists in Sydney – but is it really our best side?
In surprising news (given this isn’t the first time a development of Sydney Fish Markets has been put on the table), the government has announced it has opened registrations of interest (ROI) for a complete overhaul of the site at a new location.
Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper says, “We have long outgrown our existing facilities and a total re-imagination of the site and offering is needed for our customers.”
The project is being managed by UrbanGrowth NSW, who are also working on the Bays Precinct Development that includes revitalising White Bay Power Station – the derelict building on the Rozelle side of the ANZAC Bridge.
The new development will see Sydney Fish Market rebuilt at double its current size on a new site right next door, which backs onto Wentworth Park. Sydney Fish Market will remain in operation until the new site is up and running, which is likely to be in 2020. That’s only four years away!
The new and improved fish markets will have revamped foreshore dining, which will be open from day to night. A larger Sydney Seafood School, an improved wholesale market with live auctions that’ll be open to the public, and better parking facilities.
Can’t wait till then? Go on a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Markets.