The New South Wales seafood industry will be showcased via a spectacular new Sydney Fish Market design which was unveiled this week. Welcoming the NSW Government’s announcement of the design by renowned Danish architects 3XN, Sydney Fish Market general manager Bryan Skepper says it is a great way to celebrate a beloved institution.
‘This is an incredibly exciting day for us, for NSW fishers and fishmongers and for seafood lovers everywhere,’ he said.
‘This design will draw global attention to Sydney and quickly become one of the city’s most famous structures. The new market building will be a true community meeting place that takes the Sydney Fish Market experience to a new level.’
The design has stemmed from more than three years of collaboration between Sydney Fish Market and UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation as well as industry and community stakeholders.
‘The new building includes everything our customers are looking for – more public space, more dining options, boardwalks and a community feel. It also delivers what our fishers and fishmongers need in 21st century technology with improved facilities that help keep the seafood fresh and make it easy to trade,’ Bryan Skepper said.
‘Extended opening hours and the expanded retail and dining marketplace will enable us to accommodate our growing patronage which is projected to double in the coming years.’
The announcement coincides with the release of findings from a survey of a thousand Sydneysiders showing strong support for a new Sydney Fish Market to replace the ageing centre. A repurposed newspaper warehouse, the deteriorating buildings have limited and dated facilities and the site has become a maintenance money-pit in recent years.
‘After 50 years here at Blackwattle Bay, people love the Fish Market experience and our produce, but they are let down by the facilities. About 75% of Sydneysiders support the proposed redevelopment,’ he added.
85% of those surveyed rated the facility as important to Sydney generally, with the same number agreeing that the Fish Market is important in supporting the local fishing industry.
Sydney Fish Market is the biggest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere. Owned by the local seafood industry, most of the seafood sold at the wholesale auction comes from NSW.
Bryan Skepper says SFM is working closely with the NSW Government as landowner and 3XN’s design team to get the best possible result for customers, fishers, the site’s wholesalers and retailers and for the community.
‘We look forward to working with all our stakeholders throughout the DA process to ensure a fantastic result,’ he said.
