Is this a candidate for the world’s coolest fish market? The new Sydney Fish Market, which opened for business this week, represents the transformation of one of the world’s largest working fish markets to bring together seafood trade and a public retail and dining destination.
The largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the new precinct reimagines one of Sydney’s iconic institutions as a world-class destination for seafood, dining and community. Set on Blackwattle Bay and home to 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, the new Sydney Fish Market spans more than 26,000 square metres and features an exciting mix of fresh produce, dining and retail, celebrating Australian seafood and global cuisines.
To mark the first day of trading, a charity auction celebrating NSW seafood was held, with proceeds going to OceanWatch Australia. At a traditional shout auction yellowfin tuna donated by Joe Lagana and Shane Ralph – Calibre went to Tony Muollo from GetFish/GetSashimi for $15,500, a box of mud crab donated by the Lee and Ben Monin, Commercial Fishermen’s Co-op and a box of eastern rock lobster donated by Danny Stewart, Coff’s Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op were won by Sim Chua from Casula Fish Market for $13,000. Sydney Fish Market matched the generous bids, hitting a total donation figure of $57,000.
‘The new market preserves the authenticity of Sydney Fish Market, while significantly improving the environment for both trade and public customers. It also opens up the working market to the public, giving people a view of the live auctions and daily operations in a way that has never been possible before,’ said chief commercial officcr Adam Mourad.
Delivered by the New South Wales Government as a state-significant infrastructure project and constructed by Multiplex, the new Sydney Fish Market represents a major investment in Sydney’s visitor economy and Australia’s seafood industry.
‘An architectural and engineering triumph, the Sydney Fish Market features state-of-the-art systems, cutting-edge facilities and a purpose-built design that supports a fully operational wholesale and retail hub, built to serve generations of seafood lovers,’ commented Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper.
‘The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s must-visit destinations, ready to welcome up to six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.’
The new facility successfully brings everything under one spectacular roof, and the revitalised market is expected to attract over six million visitors annually.
‘The opening of the new Sydney Fish Market marks a defining moment not only for our organisation, but for Australia’s seafood industry. This new precinct creates a global platform for our fishers, wholesalers and retailers, while offering visitors an authentic, immersive experience that celebrates the quality, diversity and sustainability of Australian seafood,’ said CEO Daniel Jarosch.
‘Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again, not just to buy seafood, but to experience it. From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, we expect it to become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists both throughout Australia and around the globe.’
