There are many outstanding attractions in Sydney, Australia— from the Opera House and famous beaches to the lively downtown— but one of the most significant recent developments is the revitalized Sydney Fish Market. Designed by Denmark-based 3XN Architects in collaboration with BVN and landscape architects ASPECT Studios, the project reached a major milestone earlier this year when the final panel was placed on the 656-foot-long floating roof canopy, completing the market’s distinctive rooftop feature.
“The revamped market is truly spectacular, offering a world-class, authentic seafood market for an expected six million annual local and international visitors, ensuring it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in our harbour city,” said Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales. The new Sydney Fish Market is opening in stages as vendors relocate and final fit-out work continues.
© 3XN GXN
Completing the roof marked a turning point for the project, shifting focus from heavy structural work to interior finishes and services, moving the building closer to full completion later this year.
The roof structure comprises 594 timber beams, with the longest extending to about 105 feet. Finished in December 2024 and paired with more than 400 roof panels, the canopy weighs roughly 2,500 tons—an engineering feat that defines the market’s silhouette.
Construction has delivered a significant boost to the local economy. Delivery partner Multiplex awarded more than A$670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers, covering maritime piling, steel reinforcement, roof cassette installation and other key services.
© Infrastructure NSW
The new market will feature a lively mix of retail, dining and community spaces: a fresh seafood market, a range of restaurants, and a new seafood school. Designed to be a dynamic hub for locals and visitors alike, it reinforces Sydney’s reputation as a leading seafood destination.
This revitalization is central to transforming Blackwattle Bay, unlocking a connected waterfront promenade that will link Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. The development includes plans for about 1,100 homes at the old fish market site and more than 64,500 square feet of new public space, improving pedestrian and cycling access along the waterfront.
Much of the market’s retail space has already been leased. Notable operators include Trippas White Group and celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, who is opening a flagship Southeast Asian restaurant. Local favourites and acclaimed eateries—such as gelato maker Cow & the Moon, award-winning Malaysian restaurant Ho Jiak, and Vietnamese street-food vendor Banh Mi & Phin—are also set to operate at the site. Longstanding market traders like Getfish, Christies Seafood and Claudio’s Seafood are transitioning to the new facility.
© 3XN GXN
Today, Sydney Fish Market is the largest seafood market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The site will host multiple seafood retailers, cafés, restaurants, a bakery, a butcher, a gourmet deli, a greengrocer and a bottle shop opening across the year. The market’s public hours are currently 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, including public holidays except Christmas.
Visitors often book the Behind the Scenes Tour to glimpse the auction floor—normally closed to the public—and watch the Dutch auction system in action. The auction regularly moves more than 50 tonnes of fresh seafood to over 150 buyers, and the market displays more than 100 seafood species in its signature blue crates, making it a lively and educational experience for seafood lovers and tourists alike.