EXCLUSIVE: Fish market set for big splash
An important meeting with the state planning minister could accelerate redevelopment plans for the Sydney Fish Market, after more than a decade of failed schemes.
Property developer and manager of the site, Deans Property, presented its redevelopment proposal, ‘Fishbank’, to NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard on Tuesday, December 6. The meeting included representatives from the community.
The Managing Director of Sydney Fish Market Ltd (SFM), Graeme Turk, will present the scheme to his board on Friday and further discussions will commence on December 15.
An attendee and member of Pyrmont Progress Inc, Robert Gavagna, said the Minister gave his “in principle support” for the project. “The next crucial move is up to the Board and management of the Sydney Fish Market,” he said.
Prior to the meeting, Chief Executive of Deans Property, Robert Deans, said he had gained support from various parties for Fishbank and is now hoping to receive an official green light from retailers and the state government.
“After 15 years and millions of dollars invested in looking for a solution, the government finally has an opportunity to support the Sydney Fish Market,” Mr Deans said. “It simply requires the coordination of the various government agencies.”
Since the birth of the new plan, Mr Deans has sought coordination from several government agencies including the NSW Planning, NSW Maritime, Sydney Ports, Land and Property Management Authority, State Property Authority, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and NSW Industry and Investment.
The Fishbank solution, released on November 11, will significantly expand the blueprint of the Fish Market, including a 22-metre-wide promenade stretching 400 metres along the water.
The proposal includes the development of three-storey buildings occupying 50 per cent of the site, two taller commercial and residential towers and 1000 car spaces. Market operators will gain three vehicle entrances, conveyor and ice delivery systems, cool rooms, warehouses, and water and waste management solutions.
“The 24-hour/7-day fish market operation will create opportunities for day and night time activities never previously available,” Mr Deans said.
Mr Gavagna said previous plans were restricted by space.
The Fishbank solution is based on the relocation of Hanson’s Concrete batching plants to Glebe Island, giving more ground space for the Fish Market to expand in a three-staged redevelopment.
“That gives more space to the area. It almost doubles the site for the whole thing,” he said.
The redevelopment of the government-owned land will be funded by private investors and will need the government to ensure a lengthy leasing commitment.
“We need to have a renewed long lease. It’s the only thing required from the government,” Mr Deans said. “There’s no outlay for the government. We only need a long-term tenure for the Fish Market, the adjacent Hanson property and for Hanson’s new location in Glebe Island.”
Deans Property has also approached community groups about the Fishbank solution and there have been mixed responses.
The Convenor of Pyrmont Action, Elizabeth Elenius, said her group supported the previous redevelopment scheme.
“We supported the modest redevelopment plan that was unfortunately not supported by the Fish Market Board because of financial uncertainty,” she said.
The Convenor of the Council of Ultimo/Pyrmont Associations (CUPA), Mary Mortimer said the Fishbank solution will provide better access to the foreshore, making the Fish Market desirable for residents and tourists.
“The beauty of it is the concrete mixers will be away from the foreshore and it opens the foreshore to people, boats, restaurants, retailers and fisherman,” she said.
“To be able to walk from Glebe to Pyrmont in pleasant surroundings, I think that’s something we all want.”
By Leanne Elahmad
