Project design
World renowned Danish architects 3XN have worked with Sydney firms BVN and Aspect Studios to create a major cultural facility. The new Sydney Fish Market will enhance the existing authentic market operations and provide generous public amenity to unlock the waterfront for all to enjoy.
Waterfront promenade
The project will connect the existing Glebe foreshore promenade to Pyrmont.
An authentic working fish market
New wharves will be built to allow fishers to berth their vessels and unload their catch. Local rowing clubs, dragon boaters and representatives from the fishing fleet were consulted when designing the wharves
The amphitheatre staircases and the foreshore promenade wrap over the operational wharf, allowing the public to enjoy the operations of the fish market.
Public market hall
The new Sydney Fish Market will be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.
It will include a variety of fish traders, restaurants, cafes, bars, and food retailers in a market hall setting.
An architectural icon
The iconic new facility will create a cultural legacy for Sydney through its design excellence, public art and public domain offering.
The new Sydney Fish Market varies in height from 18 to 25m, changing at each end with the unique shape of the canopy roof. This is equal to three storeys at one end and increases to four storeys at the other end. It will generally sit at the height of the existing fig trees along Bridge Road.
The new building is approximately 100m x 200m. A good scale comparison is the iconic Queen Victoria Building, which was also designed as a marketplace.
Healthy materials
The main structure that supports the roof is made from timber. The roof is built from repetitive modular elements, creating a seemingly complex shape from a relatively simple system. This approach will minimise waste of materials and help ensure a safe and efficient building process.
The floating roof
The roof has been designed to create the impression of a gentle wave, encompassing a bustling market underneath.
A large, floating canopy reveals the life of the market inside. It shows the diverse activities and events that will happen at the new Sydney Fish Market.
The roof surface allows reflected sunlight to naturally illuminate the upper levels while discarding direct rays.
Finally, the entire surface operates to collect water, recycling rainwater for use.