The new Sydney Fish Market is the most significant harbourside development since the Opera House. It opens up the waterfront to the community and creates a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike.
KEY INFORMATION
Location: Sydney, Australia
Date started: 2021
Completion date: 2025
Client type: real estate
Main capabilities: project management
Reshaping Sydney’s waterfront
This landmark project is a centrepiece of the NSW Government’s Bays Precinct Renewal Programme, which is returning 95 hectares of industrial harbourfront to the community.
The project pushed the boundaries of waterfront construction, requiring complex marine works before work on the new structure could begin. The result is a bold, sculptural building that expands the capacity of the southern hemisphere’s largest working fish market and reimagines one of Sydney’s most visited destinations.
Framed by over 6,000 square metres of public space, its wave-like, scale-patterned roof pays homage to the site’s maritime heritage while establishing a new architectural marker on the harbour. With improved public transport, walkways and cycle routes connecting the site, the market is expected to welcome up to six million visitors each year.
Leading delivery on a complex, high-profile project
We were appointed in 2021 to project manage the construction works and the transition from the adjacent old site. Our role included day-to-day leadership, contract administration, commercial and legal support, programme monitoring, risk and quality management and tenancy coordination.
Working closely with consultants, contractors and government stakeholders, we kept the project moving through a technically challenging build. Our team solved issues quickly, managed risks and enabled confident decision-making. Targeted value engineering helped bring the project in under budget, without compromising on ambition or quality.
The project delivered real economic impact,creating over 700 jobs during construction, exceeding targets for female and youth participation and awarding $670mn in contracts to Australian businesses.
Environmental sustainability shaped every part of the project. The 5 Star Green Star-rated building is constructed with low-impact materials and more than 92 percent of construction waste was recycled,supporting the NSW Government’s 2050 net-zero goals. In the bay, new seawall tiles and coral panels are helping restore marine habitats and support healthier ecosystems.
