Sydney’s new $836 million fish market is now open and the NSW Government is already talking about turning it into a major state tourism icon.
The government calls it the third major tourism landmark on Sydney Harbour (behind the opera house and harbour bridge) and predicts it will attract more than six million visitors annually.
Media reports say opening day drew a 40,000-strong crowd as the market reached capacity by mid-morning.
NSW Premier Chris Minns calls the new market “undoubtedly the best fish market in the world, a new iconic Sydney landmark”.
“The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year; we expect this one to double that to more than six million, making it a magnet for tourism, jobs and spending, and a powerful boost for the NSW economy,” he says.
VIDEO AVAILABLE: Click here for a drone fly-around of the market
Minns points out that it will be served by a new ferry service, more tram services and a new Metro rail station at Pyrmont.
The site of the former market at Blackwattle Bay will be developed to accommodate 1400 new homes, he adds, along with 2.6 hectares of public space and a new promenade linking a 15 kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
Planning Minister and Public Spaces Paul Scully describe the market as “a landmark and world leading destination”.
“Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone.”
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty predicts the market will provide an “enormous” boost to the NSW seafood industry.
“For years to come, this will support the more than 1000, mostly small family businesses, that make up our commercial seafood industry,” she says.
“This market represents the future, showcasing our state’s seafood to the world and it is a powerful platform for the future of the industry.”
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper says: “As the state’s newest landmark and a striking new icon to Sydney Harbour, it is set to achieve global recognition on par with Sydney Opera House.”
Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch says: “Sydney can proudly lay claim to the best fish market in the world”.
“From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through cuisines, the market delivers a multi-layered destination that locals and visitors will want to return to time and again.”
ABOUT THE FISH MARKET
The new building houses 40 food and retail operators as well as modern facilities for wholesalers such as ice-making systems that can deliver more than 50,000 kilograms of ice daily, live crustacean tanks and a new auction room, visible to the public.
The market precinct features 6000 square metres of public space such as a water play art feature, creative displays and a waterfront promenade.
Trading hours are 7am to 10pm Sundays to Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Click here to visit the market’s website: www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/
EARLIER STORY: Market ready for January opening
