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. Here's everything you need to know, pending their opening date later this year.
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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, the structure, all services, and major fit-out works are due for completion by summer 2025.
Whilst the official opening date is still TBC, Sydney Fish Market is due to receive the keys and complete a handover into the building around October—the best-case scenario seeing trading kick off within four weeks of that date. Like any major development initiative, there have been more than a few niggles getting things up and running, but we are hoping to have a foot in the door by at least December—and yes, we want first dibs on the top-tier food scene that awaits inside.
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
Located on the edge of Blackwattle Bay, at the intersection of Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road, the new Sydney Fish Market is conveniently accessible by both land and sea. As part of the project, works will be undertaken on Bridge Road to streamline cars, create drop-off and pick-up areas for buses and taxis, and provide easier access in and out of the market. While driving is certainly a commendable choice (if you aren't opposed to CBD traffic), the NSW government has also funded the construction of a commuter ferry wharf to improve transport options—close to 6 million visitors are anticipated to visit the new market each year.
Minister for Transport, John Graham, announced that "this investment opens the new market up to perhaps the most scenic way to arrive at any fish market anywhere in the world – a trip on Sydney Harbour". Upon completion, the wharf will be served by a ferry service linking it directly to Barangaroo, making it a much more proactive and sustainable choice for tourists and commuters across the city. An investment of $30 million has been sunk into the planning and construction of the wharf itself, so we are looking forward to having the breeze in our hair and the sun on our face—lobster roll in hand.
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 aim to 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.
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