Sydney’s new $836 million fish market is built and attention is now turning to fit-outs as its January opening date looms closer.
The Blackwattle Bay-based Sydney Fish Market is expected to serve as a tourism attraction, attracting more than 6 million visitors annually.
Among its features is a new glass façade that will give visitors a front-row seat to live fish auctions.
Market CEO Daniel Jarosch says Sydney residents will be able to shop at the current markets one last time this Christmas season.
“We’re excited to see our retailers’ impressive fit-outs come to life ahead of opening early in the new year,” he says.
The market is due to open to the public on January 19, 2026.
“Sydneysiders will enjoy a last hurrah at the existing market over the festive season while we work behind the scenes for a seamless transition to our new home,” Jarosch says.
FISH MARKET BOOST
NSW Premier Chris Minns predicts the new fish market will prove to be a huge boost for the state economy.
“When it opens, this world-class building will attract millions of visitors each year and provide an enormous boost to our economy,” he says.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “With construction now complete retailers are now making the final touches on their spaces so they’re ready to welcome the public on 19 January 2026.
“The new Sydney Fish Market will be a vibrant hub of activity which will showcase world class fresh and cooked seafood for locals and visitors alike in no time.”
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper says it is “incredibly exciting” to have reached practical completion of the building.
“It will become a truly iconic destination on the western side of the Harbour Bridge, as the Opera House is to the east,” he says.
Multiplex ACT/NSW Regional Managing Director David Ghannoum says they have incorporated complex elements into its construction ranging from a watertight, hydrostatic basement carpark built four metres below sea level in Blackwattle Bay to the largest glulam timber roof in the Southern Hemisphere.
“The project has also been built … using HVO100 renewable diesel in our tower cranes and partnering with Seabin to help improve the marine environment.”
BUILDING DETAILS
The new structure stands on 481 marine piles with 6000 tonnes of steel reinforcement, more than 400 roof cassettes and 594 glulam timber beams delivered by barge from Glebe Island.
Its roof allows sunlight to illuminate upper levels, collect rainwater for recycling, generate energy via solar panels and there are LED lights for displays.
There will be 6000+ square metres of public space and a Civic Plaza that pays homage to the area’s First Nations people and its industrial past.
Underneath the building, there are seawall tiles, coral panels and hanging fish habitats to support marine life in Blackwattle Bay.
Construction work created more than 700 jobs and will sustain 700 ongoing roles, the government says.
Retail space will double that of the current market with a mix of seafood traders, food retailers and dining (from takeaway to restaurants).
To find out more, visit the NSW Government’s fish market website.
