Sydney’s New Fish Market Set to Welcome 6 Million Visitors Annually

Sydney’s New Fish Market

Sydney’s harbourfront is on the verge of a transformation with the highly anticipated opening of the new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay. Expected to attract six million visitors each year, this world-class facility will redefine the way locals and tourists experience fresh seafood, waterfront dining, and vibrant market culture.

The NSW Government has hailed the project as the most significant harbourside development since the completion of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. The market’s striking architectural design, featuring a 200-metre-long floating roof canopy inspired by the movement of the sea, is set to become a new Sydney landmark.

A Vision Taking Shape

The relocation and redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market are at the heart of the Blackwattle Bay revitalisation. After experiencing construction delays, the new market is now on track to open in late 2025, bringing with it a renewed sense of energy to Sydney’s waterfront. The precinct surrounding the market will be transformed into a global destination, featuring dining, retail, and cultural experiences alongside an upgraded promenade connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has expressed confidence that the project will elevate Sydney’s status as a seafood capital. “The revamped market will be truly spectacular, offering world-class, authentic seafood for an expected six million annual visitors, ensuring it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in our harbour city,” he said.

A Market Designed for the Future

Designed by Danish architects 3XN in collaboration with Australian firms BVN and Aspect Studios, the new Sydney Fish Market is a striking example of sustainable and functional design. The wave-like roof structure, now fully installed, pays tribute to the fishing industry while enhancing the building’s environmental performance. The structure consists of 594 timber beams, some extending up to 32 metres in length, and weighs a total of 2,500 tonnes. Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritises sustainability, incorporating natural ventilation, solar panels, and water recycling systems.

Inside, the market will offer an expanded retail precinct featuring fresh seafood stalls, restaurants, cafés, and a seafood cooking school. The space will cater to a wide range of visitors, from chefs sourcing the freshest catch to families and tourists eager to experience Sydney’s vibrant seafood culture firsthand.

The auction floor, a key feature of the market, will remain a hub for seafood traders, while the open-plan retail and dining areas will encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere. The goal is to create a space that celebrates the traditions of the market while elevating it to a world-class experience.

A Global Destination in the Making

With its ambitious scale and design, the new Sydney Fish Market will rank among the world’s premier seafood destinations. The only other market of comparable scale is Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Market, which attracted up to 40,000 visitors per day at its peak. Following the 2018 relocation of its inner wholesale section to Toyosu, Tsukiji’s legacy remains strong, with its outer market still drawing significant crowds. Sydney’s new market is poised to follow a similar trajectory, securing its place as a must-visit culinary destination.

The Future of Blackwattle Bay

The new fish market is just one component of a broader redevelopment plan for Blackwattle Bay. As many as 1,100 new apartments are set to rise on the site of the old fish market, with major developers Lendlease, Mirvac, and Stockland vying to create a $1.5 billion residential precinct. Offering uninterrupted views of the harbour and Anzac Bridge, the area is set to become one of Sydney’s most sought-after waterfront locations.

In addition to residential developments, more than 6,000 square metres of new public space will enhance pedestrian and cycling links, creating a seamless connection between Sydney’s waterfront precincts. The revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay is expected to strengthen Sydney’s global reputation as a city that balances urban innovation with natural beauty.

A New Era for Sydney’s Seafood Scene

With the final roof panel in place and finishing touches underway, the countdown to the opening of the new Sydney Fish Market has begun. Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper has highlighted the significance of the project’s progress, stating, “The roof not only enhances the market’s aesthetic with its magnificent wave-like form now in place, but also the environmental sustainability of the building.”

As Sydney prepares to welcome millions of visitors to this reimagined landmark, the new Sydney Fish Market promises to be more than just a place to buy seafood—it will be a cultural and culinary icon, bringing people together to celebrate one of the city’s most beloved traditions in a space designed for the future.