NEW SYDNEY FISH MARKET FEATURES SCALED-ROOF AS HOMAGE TO THE INDUSTRY

Designed by renowned architects 3XN, in association with BVN and Aspect Studios, the facility will be a purpose-built, authentic operating fish market, and a major food and dining attraction on Sydney’s inner harbour. The $750 million development, set to be Sydney's most significant harbourside building since the Opera House, features a wave-shaped and scale-patterned roof that pays homage to the industry.

“It is an exciting opportunity to design an iconic new piece of infrastructure in such a key location on Sydney Harbour. The overall design is focused on facilitating a popular hub; a visually spectacular place for people to enjoy interacting, relaxing and connecting - not only for the local community but also for tourists,” says 3XN Architects Partners Fred Holt and Audun Opdal.

The roof form is a key feature of the project and testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability. With its floating design, the roof creates the impression of a gentle wave, encompassing a bustling market underneath, while sunlight will naturally illuminate the upper levels. 

Constructed of exposed glulam beams and roof-lights assembled on Glebe Island, the roof utilises natural lighting to reduce energy consumption, while collecting rainwater for recycling and integrated solar panels which contributes to the daily energy consumption of the building. This innovative design concept fits with the NSW Governments vision of achieving net-zero goals, and City of Sydney's vision of carbon-neutral precincts.

The new Sydney Fish Market will be the biggest in the Southern hemisphere. It will include a variety of fish traders, restaurants, cafes, bars, and food retailers in a market hall setting. Beyond the hall, the project will also renovate the surrounding promenade, connecting the existing Glebe foreshore promenade to Pyrmont. More than 6,000 square metres of new open space will pave the way for a 15km shared pedestrian and cycle path, with waterfront access, from Sydney Fish Market to Woolloomooloo.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, “We continue to see major progress on this new world-class building, and you can really get a sense of how impressive and spectacular the new Sydney Fish Market will be. As we fly past two major milestones, the site continues to be a hive of activity with the basement, lower and upper ground spaces completed, retail spaces being formed, and the magnificent wave-like roof taking shape.”

Visit the Sydney Fish Market website to learn more.