The NSW Government today announced the first major contract has been awarded on what will be one of Sydney’s greatest tourism assets, the new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said work will be underway in a matter of weeks on the $750 million project following the appointment of the Stage One contractor.

“We’ll soon see the old wharfs and structures removed following the appointment of Hansen Yuncken who will quickly set this highly valuable project in motion,” Mr Ayres said.    

“Redeveloping the Sydney Fish Market is a key project to help reboot our economy following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“This project will create 700 construction jobs over four years and support more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new precinct opens in 2024. 

The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is one of many projects fast tracked through Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program, introduced to keep people in jobs and the economy moving in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Investing in our infrastructure projects is vital in stimulating our State’s economic recovery. We’re creating thousands of new jobs as we progressively deliver our infrastructure projects pipeline for NSW,” Mr Ayres added.

Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will showcase Australia’s fishing industry and position Sydney as home to the world’s best fish market.

“In addition to supporting our immediate economic recovery, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a leading role in attracting local and international visitors, bolstering our already strong portfolio of tourism assets,” said Mr Ayres.

“The new precinct will co-locate fishers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurateurs, a market hall, new public promenades and a ferry wharf, providing an exciting and engaging aquatic based premium tourism experience for visitors.

“And importantly, the new Sydney Fish Market will be an iconic Sydney landmark that preserves a vital part of Sydney’s maritime heritage, whilst contributing to Sydney’s urban future with access to the waterfront and the creation of new public spaces.

“The move will also provide an incredible opportunity to return inaccessible parts of our harbour back to the community, returning the foreshore to the public, improving pedestrian and cycling links and connecting more of Pyrmont to the water.” 

The Stage One contractor will ensure the site is prepared for a safe handover for the commencement of main works, expected to start by mid-2021. A tender process to appoint a Main Works Contractor for the project is now underway.

The current fish market site will remain fully operational for four years while the new site is being built.