The highly anticipated Sydney Fish Market has officially completed its construction phase, marking a significant milestone for what will become the largest public market hall in the Southern Hemisphere. Market operators are now preparing to begin final fit-out work before the facility's scheduled opening in 2026, relocating the existing fish market from its current location in Blackwattle Bay to an adjacent waterfront site.

The ambitious project represents the culmination of nearly a decade of comprehensive planning, design, and construction efforts. The process began in 2016 when designers were first sought for the project, followed by development approval in 2020. The architectural design was created through a collaboration between Danish-born international architecture practice 3XN and Australian firms BVN and Aspect Studios.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns celebrated the construction completion as an opportunity to acknowledge the extensive work that went into creating this magnificent structure along Sydney's harbor foreshore. The new facility is projected to welcome more than six million domestic and international visitors annually, establishing it as a major tourist destination and commercial hub.

The market's most striking architectural feature is its distinctive 230-meter-long roof, designed with panels that mimic the pattern of fish scales. This innovative roof system serves multiple functional purposes beyond its aesthetic appeal. It collects rainwater for recycling, generates renewable energy through integrated photovoltaic panels, and incorporates skylights that flood the market interior with natural light. For special events and occasions, the roof can be illuminated using multi-colored LED lighting systems.

The engineering behind the structure is equally impressive, with the new market supported by 481 marine piles and reinforced with 6,000 tons of steel. The construction required more than 400 roof cassettes and 594 glulam timber beams, which were transported by barge from nearby Glebe Island. Environmental considerations were integrated into the design, with seawall tiles, coral panels, and hanging fish habitats installed beneath the building to support and enhance marine life in Blackwattle Bay.

Visitors will experience unprecedented transparency in market operations through the building's glass facade, which allows observers to watch the market in action, including live fish auctions. This design element transforms the traditional market experience into an educational and entertaining spectacle for tourists and locals alike.

The facility encompasses more than 6,000 square meters of public space and features five art installations located in the Civic Plaza. These artistic elements are specifically designed to celebrate First Nations heritage and honor the area's rich industrial history, adding cultural depth to the commercial venture.

The new market will significantly expand retail capacity, offering double the space of the current facility. Visitors can expect a diverse mix of local seafood vendors, specialty food shops, and an extensive range of dining options spanning from casual takeaway counters to premium waterfront restaurants with harbor views.

The Sydney Fish Market is scheduled to officially open on January 19, 2026. Following the relocation, the existing fish market site will undergo redevelopment to create more than 1,500 residential homes, contributing to Sydney's housing supply while preserving the iconic market's operations in its new, state-of-the-art facility.