Local residents have seen the new Sydney Fish Market gradually – indeed, rather quickly – taking form over the course of the year. Seemingly complete from the outside, the building is perhaps best approached from the harbour or headland at Blackwattle Bay. Seen from there or when passing over Anzac Bridge, the significance of the project for Sydney as a whole is clear: the harbour city will finally have a suitably impressive fish market.

“Every Sydneysider has a story about the Fish Market, often from their youth,” says Fred Holt, Sydney Partner at 3XN/GXN Architects, who are completing the project in association with BVN and ASPECT Studios. “With the new Fish Market, our goal is to preserve the authenticity and spectacle of a working market while opening it more fully as a catalyst for community life. Central to this vision is a commitment to achieving the highest standards of sustainability and a celebration of the unique Sydney Harbour setting. Our hope is that the new Sydney Fish Market becomes a place where both Sydneysiders and tourists gather all year round.”

BVN Principal Catherine Skinner adds that “the new Sydney Fish Market is more than a building – it’s a celebration of food, place and people. BVN are proud to have helped create this civic landmark that brings them together.”

The first and most obvious feature distinguishing the new from the rather dilapidated old Fish Market is the site. Instead of finding itself awkwardly tucked away in the shadow of overpasses, the new building fully fronts the harbour setting.

Sacha Coles, Global Design Director at ASPECT Studios comments: “The new Harbour Landscape at Sydney Fish Market reclaims a vital moment on the foreshore walk, creating a green necklace of open space around Blackwattle Bay and a vibrant world-class destination for the community and visitors to gather, connect and enjoy the iconic Sydney Harbour.”

To the north, its raised podium creates a spectacular panorama over the water, while it remains open to parkland to the south. The east-west axis then forms a clear thoroughfare through the whole building, bringing visitors gradually up and down steps on the outside to the vast space sheltered by its 20,000-square-metre roof. A notable improvement in the new Fish Market is the amount of open, sheltered public space – much of which will remain open at all times.

Related: A coastal escape shaped by design

The 200-metre wave-like roof – comprised of 407 roof cassettes and 594 glulam timber beams – weighs 2,500 tonnes and is designed to harness sunlight, recycle rainwater and generate solar energy. The project aims for a 5 Star Green Star rating as part of NSW Government’s net zero commitment by 2050.

Daniel Jarosch, Chief Executive, Sydney Fish Market concludes: “We’re proud to be the beating heart of Australia’s seafood industry, and now we will have a new home befitting the stunning produce coming through the Market every day from NSW fishers and beyond. Under one iconic, wave‑shaped roof we’re bringing together fresh and sustainable seafood, specialty retailers, restaurants, cafes and educational experiences to create an authentic destination for both Sydneysiders and visitors from all over the country and the world.”

3XN/GXN
gxn.3xn.com

BVN
bvn.com.au

ASPECT Studios
aspect-studios.com

Images
Courtesy of Multiplex, Infrastructure NSW