Huge First Week For New Fish Market With Over 200k Visitors Through Its Doors

The new Sydney Fish Market has seen more than 230,000 visitors through its doors in its first week, along with over than 160 tonnes of seafood traded.

The $836 million dollar project is already track to become one of Australia’s most visited destinations since it opened on Monday last week, with Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully dubbing it an instant hit.

“As Sydney’s latest iconic waterfront destination, the bumper visitor numbers show the demand for beautiful public spaces like this which provide a place for people to gather, relax and celebrate with family and friends,” he said.

“The unique mix of wholesalers, retail and dining all housed under one roof is proving to be a successful formula.”

After a number of delays, massive budget blowouts, and other teething issues, the market has been heralded by the Minns government as the third major landmark on the harbour alongside the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Public transport delays seemingly not holding visitors back

About 20 per cent larger than its predecessor, the new market has double the retail space of the old fish market, with its 40 operators nestled under the 200-metre-wide canopy roof, expected to help bring in more than six million visitors a year.

All of the tenants from the old markets have found a new home there, as well as more than 20 new businesses including speciality stores, fresh seafood outlets, and a wide range of other dining experiences, from casual takeaway to upscale waterfront restaurants.

“We are absolutely thrilled with how Sydney has embraced our new Sydney Fish Market. The spectacular response from the community reinforces how important this place is to our city’s culture and identity,” said the market’s CEO Daniel Jarosch.

“People are discovering a stunning new building, and a more diverse market experience, with an unparalleled range of seafood, dining and retail options catering for everyone, from those looking for every-day great value to an unforgettable waterfront experience.”

The numbers come despite the market opening with reduced public transport, with the planned $30 million pontoon wharf not expected to be completed until 2027, leaving just 400 car parking spaces and other public transport methods for visitors.

To handle the surge, Transport for NSW has added extra evening and weekend services on the L1 light rail, with the nearby Wentworth Park set to undergo a $40 million upgrade in an attempt prevent chaos and congestion in the meantime.

Locals critical of plans for new housing

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, and are planning to build 1,400 new homes there, including 580 student units, along with 2.6 hectares of public space and a new promenade to comple the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. 

However local residents part of the community group Pyrmont Action said they “remain concerned this development does not include mandatory affordable and essential services housing — nor consideration for schools or planning for how traffic will navigate such a dense proposal!”

“When the strategic plan for this site was on exhibition around 2021, there were around 2,400 submissions, the vast majority of which opposed the walling-in of the Pyrmont Peninsula by the towers and podiums along the foreshore,” said local, Elizabeth Elenius.

“We appreciate the need for additional housing but the greatest need is for public and affordable housing.

“The plan indicates that there will be student accommodation, but the urgent need is for housing for key workers and those on the public housing waiting list.”