The countdown is on for Sydney's most ambitious waterfront project in decades, and officials are confident you'll be buying your Christmas prawns at the stunning new location. But getting there might be trickier than finding the perfect barramundi.
Market officials expect the new Sydney Fish Market to open before the end of 2025, emphasising: 'You'll be buying your prawns for Christmas, I can say that with confidence.'
The promise comes as the NSW government prepares to hand over the site in mid-November for shop fit-outs to begin, marking the end of a construction saga that has seen costs spiral and timelines stretch far beyond original expectations.
A floating roof that changes Sydney's skyline
The centrepiece of this massive undertaking is now complete. The final roof panel has been installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, creating what government officials are calling 'unique', 'spectacular' and the building's 'crowning glory'.
The engineering achievement is staggering in scale. The roof's supporting structure comprises 594 timber roof beams—with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length—and combined with over 400 roof panels, weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes.
Government officials suggest this architectural marvel will change Sydney's skyline forever, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973.
'Sydney's skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973'
Celebrity chefs and extended hours
The new market promises to be more than just a place to buy fish. The facility will showcase Sydney's culinary excellence through a range of diverse dining and food options, including chefs such as Luke Nguyen, Somer Sivrioglu, Jundo Khoo, Trippas White Group along with local favourites such as The Cow & the Moon and Dirty Red.
Around 40 shops will be ready for tenancy, with operating hours extended to 10 pm, up from the old 4 pm closing time—intended to allow visitors to enjoy evening ambience, meals, and harbour views.
This represents a fundamental shift from the traditional early-morning fish market experience to a full-day destination.
Getting there—the transport puzzle
Here's where things get interesting for those planning a visit. The good news is that transport options include two nearby light rail stops, a pedestrian path connecting to the foreshore walk and the future public ferry wharf.
The less encouraging news? The car parking situation remains unchanged from the old market, despite expecting to double visitor numbers.
The redevelopment aims to nearly double visitor numbers, projecting over 6 million visitors annually, up from around 3 million at the old site.
Yet the parking capacity hasn't increased accordingly, which could mean weekend visits might require some planning ahead.
The light rail connection will be particularly valuable for visitors, with two nearby light rail stops providing direct access from the city centre.
For those coming from further afield, a future public ferry wharf is planned, though the Pyrmont metro station is still six years away.
Transport options for your visit
- Two light rail stops within walking distance (available now)
- Foreshore pedestrian walkway connection
- Same number of car spaces as old market (plan accordingly)
- Future ferry wharf planned (timeline TBC)
- Pyrmont metro station still 6 years away
A green giant rises from the harbour
Sustainability has been built into every aspect of the design. The new Sydney Fish Market features over 400 solar-panel lined roof cassettes on the 200-metre-long roof and a 5 Star Green Star rating, representing a major step towards the NSW Government's net zero commitment by 2050.
The facility will house a state-of-the-art live crustacean system designed to cater to the unique needs of seafood storage and holding, comprising 3 recirculating systems with 360 blue tubs and 7 transportable tanks.
Visitors will be able to view this facility on their way to the upper ground floor via travellators.
The billion-dollar question
The project's journey hasn't been without turbulence. Initially unveiled as a $250 million government investment in 2017, the costs have at least tripled, with current estimates reaching $836 million and potentially higher when legal costs are included.
The delays have been equally dramatic. Initially slated to open in 2023, a myriad of delays have pushed that date back to November 2025. One of the key contractors, Sharvain Facades, has entered administration, reportedly owing millions of dollars.
Project by numbers
Original budget (2017): $250 million
Current cost: $836+ million
Expected visitors: 6 million annually (double the old market)
Retail outlets: 40 shops and restaurants
Operating hours: Until 10 pm daily
Roof weight: 2,500 tonnes
Public space: Nearly 1.5 acres
What to expect when doors open
Despite the financial drama behind the scenes, the visitor experience promises to be extraordinary. The mezzanine level will offer spectacular views of Blackwattle Bay, while the facility will be the jewel in the crown of a transformed Blackwattle Bay, complete with almost 1.5 acres of public space.
Around a third of visitors have historically been international, with the market previously saying it received half of all Chinese visitors to Sydney.
The new facility's extended hours and dining options suggest it's positioning itself as much more than a traditional fish market.
The scale is genuinely impressive. As the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the new facility represents a significant upgrade in both capacity and visitor experience. The project supported over 700 workers during construction and will continue to support a further 700 jobs once operational.
What This Means For You
Whether you're after the freshest seafood for Christmas dinner or simply curious about Sydney's latest architectural marvel, the new Fish Market promises to deliver an experience far beyond the traditional early-morning fish buying expedition. Just remember to plan your transport ahead—and maybe avoid the weekend rush until the ferry service arrives.
What are your thoughts on Sydney's new Fish Market? Have you been planning a visit, or are you waiting to see how the transport situation settles? Share your experiences and expectations in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://7news.com.au/news/new-sydne...n-but-opening-date-remains-mystery-c-20295197
Inside the new Sydney Fish Market: nearly complete, opening date still pending
Cited text: While no official opening day has been confirmed, market officials expect it to open before the end of 2025 — emphasizing: “You’ll be buying your praw...
Excerpt: Market officials expect the new Sydney Fish Market to open before the end of 2025, emphasising: 'You'll be buying your prawns for Christmas, I can say that with confidence.'
https://theabj.com.au/2025/10/10/sydney-fish-market-redevelopment-opening/
Inside the new Sydney Fish Market: nearly complete, opening date still pending
Cited text: The NSW government anticipates handing over the site in mid-November for shop fit-outs to begin ahead of launch.
Excerpt: the NSW government prepares to hand over the site in mid-November for shop fit-outs to begin
https://theabj.com.au/2025/10/10/sydney-fish-market-redevelopment-opening/
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: The next iconic addition to Sydney Harbour is nearing completion with the Minns Labor Government expected to reach construction completion of the new ...
Excerpt: the NSW government prepares to hand over the site in mid-November for shop fit-outs to begin
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete | NSW Government
Cited text: The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, formin...
Excerpt: The final roof panel has been installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...ish-markets-iconic-floating-roof-now-complete
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: The 200m-long roof on the Sydney Fish Market has been completed, with government figures hailing its floating canopy design as 'unique', 'spectacular'...
Excerpt: 'unique', 'spectacular' and the building's 'crowning glory'
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/st...h-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete | NSW Government
Cited text: The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams—with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length—and was completed in Decemb...
Excerpt: The roof's supporting structure comprises 594 timber roof beams—with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length—and combined with over 400 roof panels, weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...ish-markets-iconic-floating-roof-now-complete
New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete | NSW Government
Cited text: Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes.
Excerpt: The roof's supporting structure comprises 594 timber roof beams—with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length—and combined with over 400 roof panels, weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...ish-markets-iconic-floating-roof-now-complete
New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete | NSW Government
Cited text: With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera Ho...
Excerpt: Government officials suggest this architectural marvel will change Sydney's skyline forever, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...ish-markets-iconic-floating-roof-now-complete
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: The new Sydney Fish Market will showcase Sydney’s culinary excellence through a range of diverse dining and food options, including chefs such as Luke...
Excerpt: The facility will showcase Sydney's culinary excellence through a range of diverse dining and food options, including chefs such as Luke Nguyen, Somer Sivrioglu, Jundo Khoo, Trippas White Group along with local favourites such as The Cow &…
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
Inside the new Sydney Fish Market: nearly complete, opening date still pending
Cited text: The new market will host around 40 shops ready for tenancy. Operating hours will be extended to 10 pm, up from the old 4 pm closing time — intended to...
Excerpt: Around 40 shops will be ready for tenancy, with operating hours extended to 10 pm, up from the old 4 pm closing time—intended to allow visitors to enjoy evening ambience, meals, and harbour views
https://theabj.com.au/2025/10/10/sydney-fish-market-redevelopment-opening/
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: With a variety of transport options including two nearby light rail stops, a pedestrian path connecting to the foreshore walk and the future public fe...
Excerpt: transport options include two nearby light rail stops, a pedestrian path connecting to the foreshore walk and the future public ferry wharf
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: Approximately six million people a year are expected to stroll through the waterfront market, located not far from the city centre, up from three mill...
Excerpt: The redevelopment aims to nearly double visitor numbers, projecting over 6 million visitors annually
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/st...h-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: The new Sydney Fish Market is testament to building and design sustainability, with over 400 solar-panel lined roof cassettes on the 200-metre-long ro...
Excerpt: The new Sydney Fish Market features over 400 solar-panel lined roof cassettes on the 200-metre-long roof and a 5 Star Green Star rating, representing a major step towards the NSW Government's net zero commitment by 2050
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
News and updates | New Sydney Fish Market | Infrastructure NSW
Cited text: ... Fresh by Design has delivered a state-of-the-art facility for the new live crustacean system. It has been designed to cater to the unique needs of...
Excerpt: a state-of-the-art live crustacean system designed to cater to the unique needs of seafood storage and holding, comprising 3 recirculating systems with 360 blue tubs and 7 transportable tanks
https://newsydneyfishmarket.insw.com/insw/new-sydney-fish-market/news-and-updates
News and updates | New Sydney Fish Market | Infrastructure NSW
Cited text: When the new facility is open, visitors will be able to view it on their way to the upper ground floor via travellators.
Excerpt: Visitors will be able to view this facility on their way to the upper ground floor via travellators
https://newsydneyfishmarket.insw.com/insw/new-sydney-fish-market/news-and-updates
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: It was also initially unveiled as a $250 million government investment, but the costs of the project have at least tripled since it was announced in 2...
Excerpt: Initially unveiled as a $250 million government investment in 2017, the costs have at least tripled
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/st...h-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout—Michael West
Cited text: It was also initially unveiled as a $250 million government investment, but the costs of the project have at least tripled since it was announced in 2...
Excerpt: Initially unveiled as a $250 million government investment in 2017, the costs have at least tripled
https://michaelwest.com.au/iconic-fish-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
Sydney Fish Market 2.0 has hit a major roadblock—here's an update
Cited text: The redevelopment of the iconic market—the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere—was initially slated to cost $750 million, but the curre...
Excerpt: $836 million
https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news...-hit-a-major-roadblock-heres-an-update-031825
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: The new market—a stone's throw from the old site on Blackwattle Bay—was initially slated to open in 2023 but a myriad of delays have pushed that d...
Excerpt: Initially slated to open in 2023, a myriad of delays have pushed that date back to November
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/st...h-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout—Michael West
Cited text: The new market—a stone’s throw from the old site on Blackwattle Bay—was initially slated to open in 2023 but a myriad of delays have pushed that d...
Excerpt: Initially slated to open in 2023, a myriad of delays have pushed that date back to November
https://michaelwest.com.au/iconic-fish-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
Sydney Fish Market 2.0 has hit a major roadblock—here's an update
Cited text: Late last week, it was confirmed that one of the key players—Sharvain Facades—has entered administration, reportedly owing millions of dollars.
Excerpt: One of the key contractors, Sharvain Facades, has entered administration, reportedly owing millions of dollars
https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news...-hit-a-major-roadblock-heres-an-update-031825
News and updates | New Sydney Fish Market | Infrastructure NSW
Cited text: The mezzanine level of the new building will offer spectacular views of Blackwattle Bay.
Excerpt: The mezzanine level will offer spectacular views of Blackwattle Bay
https://newsydneyfishmarket.insw.com/insw/new-sydney-fish-market/news-and-updates
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: Once complete, new Sydney Fish Market will be the jewel in the crown of a transformed Blackwattle Bay, complete with almost 1.5 acres of public space
Excerpt: the facility will be the jewel in the crown of a transformed Blackwattle Bay, complete with almost 1.5 acres of public space
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACT
Cited text: Around a third of visitors have historically been international, with the market previously saying it received half of all Chinese visitors to Sydney....
Excerpt: Around a third of visitors have historically been international, with the market previously saying it received half of all Chinese visitors to Sydney
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/st...h-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
Iconic fish market to hook visitors after cost blowout—Michael West
Cited text: Around a third of visitors have historically been international, with the market previously saying it received half of all Chinese visitors to Sydney....
Excerpt: Around a third of visitors have historically been international, with the market previously saying it received half of all Chinese visitors to Sydney
https://michaelwest.com.au/iconic-fish-market-to-hook-visitors-after-cost-blowout/
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: With the building close to completion, the new Sydney Fish Markets, the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, is a buzz with multiple constr...
Excerpt: As the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
New Sydney Fish Market nears completion as retailers prepare to reel in locals and visitors | NSW Government
Cited text: It was delivered as a result of the hard work of over 700 workers during construction, and will continue to support a further 700 jobs once operationa...
Excerpt: The project supported over 700 workers during construction and will continue to support a further 700 jobs once operational
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...retailers-prepare-to-reel-locals-and-visitors
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