The New Sydney Fish Market In Blackwattle Bay Is Finally Open
Eloise Luke
Deputy Editor (Local Markets) | Urban List
The Sydney Fish Markets are back and better than ever—in a multi-million dollar development that will install new fish traders, food retailers, restaurants and bars, and connect the Glebe foreshore to Pyrmont through a fully operational wharf. Set to be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere (according to the NSW government), not only will the markets be designed and executed by award-winning architects, but they will also deliver over 6,000 square metres of new public open space.
While the OG fish markets are best known for their buzzing atmosphere and banging lobster rolls, the new and improved venue promises to retain the authentic seafood market experience—and it's shaping up to be an impressive addition to the Sydney food scene.
Opening to the public on 19 January 2026, the new Sydney Fish Market is the first major milestone in the urban renewal of the precinct, creating a world-class waterfront destination that blends fresh seafood, dining, public space, culture, heritage and sustainability.
“With this building we are redefining what a sustainable and resilient market can be," says Lasse Lind, Partner and Head of Consultancy at GXN.
"The modular roof is not only a sculptural structure that gives the market its identity; it also supports many functions. It harvests every raindrop and holds solar cells, it provides natural daylight and passive ventilation, and it enables complete reconfiguration of spaces below as the market needs evolve. We've cut potable water usage by 50 per cent and significantly lowered the energy consumption without compromising on the market’s authenticity or architectural ambition.”
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Opening Timeline
Image credit: NSW Government | Supplied
While it may feel like this damn thing has been in the construction stages for a lifetime, it's actually only been 4.5 years (so yes, basically a lifetime). The project kicked off way back in 2020, and after extensive marine piling, cofferdaming, concrete pouring, and other construction-related activities, we can confirm the Sydney Fish Markets will open January 19, 2026.
Despite the move to its new site, the Sydney Fish Market’s Pyrmont location will keep its doors open over the Christmas period — which means the city’s much-loved 36-hour seafood marathon is still very much alive. A Sydney tradition through and through, the marathon stretches non-stop in the lead-up to Christmas, with the smell of salt and seaweed hanging thick in the air and the chatter of locals lining up for their festive haul of prawns, oysters and lobster. It’s a sensory ritual and a rite of passage that signals Sydney summer like nothing else.
Vendors
Image credit: NSW Government | Supplied
So what new vendors and retailers can we expect to see when we push those doors open for the first time? Some of Sydney's best have already signed on, as well as some newbies—and we are here to introduce you to a few personal faves.
Cow & The Moon
Artisan Gelateria
Image credit: Cow & The Moon | Instagram
Stretching their legs from their tried-and-true Enmore location, Cow & The Moon are bringing some of the best gelato in Sydney to their sparkly-new fish market venture. Known for their unforgettable flavour combos, vegetarian, vegan, and GF variations, all gelato is made in-house daily (and has been since 1993). They recently announced that having a gelateria in the Sydney Fish Market has been a long-time family dream, so we'll definitely be lining up to support them this summer (as should you).
Leyrd
Vietnamese Street Food
The very first brain-child of Hailey Nghiem and Charlie Dinh, who have worked at some of Sydney's top establishments and are now bringing their own spin to the Vietnamese street food scene. Expect fresh salads, rice paper rolls, and Banh Mi you'll want to write home about—the perfect lunchtime stopover for a quick, fresh bite.
Stitch Coffee
Sydney Roastery
Image credit: Stitch Coffee | Instagram
Considered by many as one of Sydney's best roasters, Stitch Coffee sources beans from around the world—their flagship cafe is only a few minutes away, opposite Broadway. They are best known for their specialty coldbrew (the watermelon is a must-try), seasonal cold-foams and classic sips done right—but the matcha here is also a contender for one of the best in Sydney. For food, you can expect oozing toasties, bowls, pastries and other fresh-baked goods.
Ichie
Japanese Restaurant And Sake Bar
Backed by Hidetoshi Tsuboi, Libras Ting and Takeo Muramoto, who are responsible for delivering some of Sydney's most awarded Japanese concepts, Ichie will be plating up ramen, donburi, and seafood BBQ, alongside a sake bar. We can't think of anything better than sashimi straight from the adjacent wharves—it doesn't get any fresher than that.
Touch_Wood And Little Red Wine Bar
By Dirty Red
Image credit: Dirty Red | Instagram
Inner West institution Dirty Red is bringing not one, but two outlets to the new site. Their nearby Glebe cafe is one of the best in the area, so we are expecting nothing but the best from their new all-day dining concept, touch_wood—with a broad menu focusing on seasonal, local ingredients. If that wasn't exciting enough, their second venue, Little Red Wine Bar, will be the market's first small bar; specialising in cocktails, wine by the glass, and small-plate charcuterie.
While we've handpicked a few of our most anticipated new spots, you should also see the transfer of some of the fish markets' OG retailers into the space. Honourable mentions include Claudio's, Peter's Fish Market, and Nicholas Seafood—these Sydney seafood spots have been the best in the business for decades, and we are excited to see the next steps they'll be taking in the updated space.
Getting There
The next step is a new ferry wharf, which will connect the Sydney Fish Market directly with Barangaroo, giving locals, workers and visitors another way to reach the waterfront destination. On 9 October 2026, the NSW Government unveiled the proposed design for the wharf, with site establishment works expected to begin in late 2026 and ferry services scheduled to commence in late 2027.
The NSW Government has allocated $30 million to design and deliver the wharf, which will feature fully accessible facilities, covered waiting areas, seating, weather protection, real-time service information and Opal card readers. The design includes a curved zinc roof that will naturally develop a patina over time, with materials and colours selected to complement Sydney Harbour while maintaining water views.
What's New
Image credit: NSW Government | Supplied
New vendors are one thing, but the new fish market is due to deliver on a whole lot more for the local community. This spot is set to not only open up more than 6,000 square metres of public open space, but also forms a new destination for sustainability, art and culture in Sydney.
The Foreshore Walk
The Blackwattle Bay Project aims to develop the surrounding area of the market, including a waterfront promenade that connects to the 15km foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomoolloo. This connection will allow visitors to access the head of Blackwattle Bay for the first time since industrial uses took over in the 19th century, as well as creating one of the world's longest and scenic waterfront walks.
Sustainability Initiatives
Under the Green Building Council Australia’s rating tool, the new Sydney Fish Market will be a 5 Green Star-rated building. The NSW government will focus on using energy-efficient systems and building designs, improving water efficiency, minimising waste directed to landfill through waste separation, recycling and reuse of materials, using low environmental impact materials and encouraging sustainable transport options to and from the site. These methodologies have been implemented to ensure the building is future-proofed against climate change—an initiative imperative to the rapidly changing times we live in.
The innovative roof design will incorporate skylights that operate by allowing light to naturally illuminate the upper levels while providing effective shading to reduce direct sunlight. There will also be solar panels integrated into roof modules, generating up to 5% of the daily energy consumption. The roof modules are permeable to ventilate the space underneath naturally and greatly reduce energy consumption, and the roof surface operates to collect rainwater and recycle this water for use.
Most importantly, protecting and improving the water quality of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding environment is a priority of the project. They have partnered with the Seabin Project to install five units to clean the harbour of rubbish, as well as incorporating habitat enhancement strategies to protect the local environment.
We recommend reading more into the full sustainability guidelines of the project—and taking the ferry.
Arts And Culture
Due to its role in attracting local and international tourist groups to the area, one initiative of the new Sydney Fish Market will be a commitment to developing arts and culture through a consolidated events program. This program aims to activate the space by showcasing NSW's arts, culture and produce, championing permanent, temporary and public activations, and highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seafood stories, experiences, and representation. The market will align with existing major events such as Vivid, Sydney Festival, and the Sydney to Hobart, as well as providing open spaces for both free and ticketed outdoor events.
Whilst the nature of this program is certainly up in the air, we are highly anticipating the many ways in which the space could be transformed for events and activations. Here at Urban List, we aren't opposed to a cheeky bev and snack in the sun—and there's certainly nothing better than dinner and a show.
Keep an eye on their website to be on top of all announcements—we'll see you at the opening.
First Look At The New Fish Market Wharf
Image credit: NSW Government | Supplied
The proposed design takes inspiration from ferry wharves across Sydney Harbour, with a dedicated floating ferry pontoon and berthing for overflow fishing and recreational vessels on either side. Safety features will include lighting, CCTV, help points, handrails and life-saving equipment.
The new stop forms part of a broader $70 million NSW Government investment in better transport access to the fish market, which also includes a $40 million accessibility upgrade at Wentworth Park light rail stop and 150 additional weekly services on the L1 Dulwich Hill Line.
The final ferry timetable, operating arrangements and vessel options are still being determined, so we'll have to wait a little longer before we can plan a seafood lunch around a scenic harbour crossing. For now, the new wharf is another step towards making the Sydney Fish Market easier to reach by public transport.
Image credit: Sydney Fish Market | Instagram
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