New images released for iconic Sydney Fish Market

Work is progressing on the iconic Sydney Fish Market, designed by Tenderstream members 3XN/GXN and BVN, with landscape architects ASPECT Studios. New images have been released to reveal the structure’s new surroundings, with the overall project seeking to set in place an exemplary example of integrating the public realm with contemporary market space. The market will place people at the centre of the architectural response, with an emphasis on place-making to foster a strong sense of community at the site’s location in Blackwattle Bay.

The 65,000 sq m market will establish a world-class “foodie” destination, delivering over 6,000 sq m of public open space and forming part of a planned 15km continuous foreshore walk from Woolloomooloo to Rozelle Bay. Audun Opdal, partner in charge, at 3XN Copenhagen, stated: “3XN approached this project with the specific goal of creating more than just a fish market; it is first and foremost a major cultural facility that enhances the existing market operations while creating generous public amenity to unlock the waterfront for Sydneysiders and visitors alike.”

In other cities, wholesale fish markets are closed to the public because of the risks posed by industrial machinery. In the new building, the ground floor hosts traditional functions such as the landing and loading of fish, the wholesale market, and the auction hall, all encased by amphitheatre staircases and the foreshore promenade which offer interwoven visual connections to visitors. Fred Holt, partner in charge at 3XN Sydney, said: “The market is the social hub of cities around the world; it is generally comprised of a series of open-air stalls that are covered by a canopy and located in a large plaza. Preserving the authentic market feel is a key objective of this new building. The design focuses on maintaining a human scale with a true market atmosphere.” 

Construction of the new Sydney Fish Market will be complete in late 2025.

Lucy Nordberg

Tenderstream Head of Research

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