Sydney Fish Market’s Daniel Jarosch says the newly opened market is the best fish market in the world. But he would say that, wouldn’t he? He’s the CEO.
Still, we have to admit it’s pretty swish. With double the retail space of the old Fish Market that it was built to replace, the spectacular new building overlooking Blackwattle Bay appears to rise from the waters of Sydney Harbour.
The roof is designed to look like fish scales. Perhaps one day the building will become a Sydney landmark, joining the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in being recognized internationally.
The market houses 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants, celebrating the best Australian seafood including, of course, Australia’s superb oysters.
It’s also a market for wholesalers, with facilities such as ice-making systems capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice daily, live crustacean tanks, and a new auction room visible to the public.
There are loads of public spaces, including a water-play art feature, creative installations, and a waterfront promenade where people can connect, relax or stroll through.
The market makes it easy to ramp up your seafood knowledge. Go behind the scenes on an official tour of the complex, or better still, get hands-on at the Sydney Seafood School.
Seafood School
Although the Seafood School at the old site was much loved, the new one is outstanding, with state-of-the-art Neff induction cooktops and Gaggenau appliances, natural light and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.
The school’s footprint has expanded, with a dedicated event space, Ngara, and a feature oyster bar. The program has expanded as well, with a wide variety of class themes designed around the best Australian seafood, paired with a NSW-focused wine program.
Government predictions are that the new Sydney Fish Market will welcome up to six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said: “The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year, and we expect this new one to double that, making it a magnet for tourism, jobs and spending, and a powerful boost for the NSW economy.”
Good news is that there’ll be additional light rail services to the area, with more public transport options to follow, including a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail, and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.
Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast, Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone, from fresh seafood to take-away fish and chips, fine dining overlooking the Western Harbour, and public spaces for the community to enjoy.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said it would give an enormous boost to the NSW commercial seafood industry. “This market represents the future, showcasing our state’s seafood to the world and it is a powerful platform for the future of the industry,” she said.
CEO Daniel Jarosch has the last word on what the Fish Market means to both locals and visitors. “From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, the market delivers a multi-layered destination that locals and visitors will want to return to time and again.”
Sydney Fish Market
1 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW
Australia
www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
Open every day of the year except Christmas Day
Sydney Fish Market photo by Tom Roe, supplied by Destination NSW Media Centre.