A new Sydney landmark that will attract more than six million visitors each year has opened.

The $800 million Sydney Fish Market is open for business.

Claimed by the NSW Government to be the world’s best fish market, the new market rises from the water on Sydney Harbour and is third major landmark on the harbour behind the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It will cater for 6 million visitors annually and will have double the capacity of the previous market.

It will offer a mix of retail and dining options including a fresh seafood market, restaurants and a seafood school.

From an architectural viewpoint, the standout feature is the market’s 200-metre-long floating roof canopy.

This takes on a wave-like form that reflects the motion of Sydney Harbour.

The roof is comprised of more than 400 cassettes, which collectively weigh a staggering 2.500 tonnes.

The project will also deliver a new waterfront promenade, an authentic fish market from catch to plate, a public market hall and delivery of up to 1,100 homes on the site of the old fish market.

Environmental features include use of sunlight to illuminate upper levels during the day, rainwater collection for recycling and generating solar energy for the building’s energy consumption.

For market visitors, the new market will provide double the retail space of the old fish market. It will host 40 food and retail operators from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.

The new market also includes modern facilities for wholesalers. These include ice-making systems that are capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice daily, live crustacean tanks, and a brand-new auction room which is visible to the public.

In addition to the building, the precinct also features 6,000 square metres of public domain

This includes a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade where locals and visitors can connect, relax or stroll through.

The new market will be supported by additional light rail services.

Further public transport options will follow. These include a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.

The old fish market site at Blackwater Bay is set to be revitalised, with 1,400 new homes to be constructed alongside 2.6 hectares of public space and a new promenade that will complete the 15 kilometer foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

This is taking place under a partnership between the NSW Government and Mirvac.

The market was designed by Danish architects 3XN/GXN in collaboration with BVN and Aspect Studios.

It was constructed by Multiplex.

NSW Premier Chris Minns welcomed the market opening.

“Today Sydney opens the doors to what is undoubtedly the best fish market in the world — a new iconic Sydney landmark rising straight out of our harbour, showcasing world-class Australian seafood that gives locals and visitors another must-see destination in our city,” Minns said.

“The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year, and we expect this new 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.”

“It will be boosted by a new ferry service, additional light rail services and a brand new metro station at Pyrmont, all while unlocking huge public spaces and 1,400 new homes on the old fish market site.”

Property industry leaders have lauded the construction effort.

Urban Taskforce Australia lauded the efforts of Multiplex as well as the aforementioned architects and the NSW Government for their efforts in delivering an iconic new venue for Sydney.

“The new Sydney Fish Market is truly is a magnificent example of the private sector working with Government to deliver an outstanding result.”

 

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