The much-awaited revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay is one step closer, with the NSW Government today approving the final plans for the new Sydney Fish Market.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light paves the way for construction on the site to begin, creating 700 construction jobs and more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new markets open in 2024.
“Projects equal jobs. Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery out of this pandemic which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects in NSW, creating thousands of jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is an exciting step forward for the new Sydney Fish Market, with construction to soon get underway on this incredible new precinct on the doorstep of the CBD.
“Not only will the new Sydney Fish Market continue to be the beating heart of our State’s seafood industry, it will also continue to lead the way as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
The new Sydney Fish Market has been designed by Danish architect 3XN, in association with Sydney firms BVN and Aspect Studios, and will be built over the waters of Blackwattle Bay and adjacent to the current site. Visitor numbers to the market are expected to double over the next 10 years, from three million to six million each year.
The new building will include a variety of fishmongers, restaurants, cafés, bars, and specialty food retailers in a four-storey market hall setting, as well as new public promenades and a ferry wharf.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Sydney Fish Market was approved through the Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assesments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving.
“This is the 33rd project determined through the new accelerated assessment program, introduced as part of the NSW Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“Building the new Sydney Fish Market at the head of Blackwattle Bay is an incredible opportunity to transform an under-utilised area into a vibrant, accessible and attractive waterfront precinct. The approved design also provides more than 4,700 square metres of new public open space, and paves the way for a future shared pedestrian and cycle path that will provide waterfront access all the way to Woolloomooloo.”
Early works for the Sydney Fish Markets are expected to commence within the next eight weeks, with a stage one contract to be awarded shortly. A tender process is also underway for the major construction phase, which is expected to start in early 2021.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism, and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the development will help NSW’s economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a great development for the tourism, construction and hospitality industries of NSW, with hundreds of new jobs to be created in this vibrant new precinct,” Mr Ayres said.
“With over 3 million visitors each year, the Sydney Fish Market is one of NSW’s busiest tourist attractions.”
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Assess-and-Regulate/State-Significant-Projects/Sydney-Fish-Market
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