The NSW government is expecting construction for the long-awaited Sydney Fish Market development to be completed by next month, but an opening date for the $700 million project is yet to be announced.<\/p>\n
The new fish markets at Blackwattle Bay in Sydney’s inner-west is expected to rake in more than 6 million visitors each year once it opens.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The new Sydney Fish Market building is expected to have 6 million visitors annually. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
Premier Chris Minns said the new building would become “a magnet” for tourists and a “must-see destination”.<\/p>\n
“We expect a lot of visitors who come to Sydney to spend an extra day as they take a cooking class, enjoy a meal or watch a sunset,” the premier said.<\/p>\n
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Premier Chris Minns says the new Sydney Fish Market building will become “a magnet” for tourists. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper said the site would be handed over by the state government in mid-November for store fit outs to be completed.<\/p>\n
“This is going to be a precinct that is going to really light up the city of Sydney,” Mr Kamper said.<\/p>\n
He said it was expected the new building would attract “nearly double” the number of local and international visitors to the fish market compared to the old Pyrmont venue.<\/p>\n
Opening date up in the air<\/p>\n
Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said Thursday’s announcement was not about an opening date but rather, “celebrating the completion” of construction and progress on the fit out of 40 stores.<\/p>\n
“We don’t have a date to share [today]\u2026 we will make that call imminently,” Mr Jarosch said.<\/p>\n
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Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch says he will be announcing an opening date “imminently”. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
While he did not announce an opening date, Mr Jarosch said it should be opened this year.<\/p>\n
“You’ll be buying your prawns for Christmas, I can say that with confidence,” he said.Business owners ready to move in<\/p>\n
Local business owner Panayiotis Kouros’s family has been operating out of the Sydney Fish Market for 30 years. (ABC News)<\/p>\n
Business owner Panayiotis Kouros said his family operated at the Sydney Fish Market for 30 years and he was excited for the new venue to open.<\/p>\n
“We have three shops over there [at Pyrmont]: Boat Shed, Fish Market Cafe and Squid Ink,” Mr Kouros said.<\/p>\n
“[It’s] very exciting, we’re all looking forward to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Just can’t wait, everyone [is] on edge to see when we’re going to be there.”<\/p>\n
Store owner Panayiotis Kouros says the new fish market building is “very exciting”. (ABC News)<\/p>\n
However, when the new fish markets will open at Blackwattle Bay remained a question for the local vendor.<\/p>\n
“We’re not quite sure yet, they haven’t informed us yet, but we’re definitely on stand-by. Whenever it is, we’ll be ready to move in,” he said.<\/p>\n
Longer hours for more visitors<\/p>\n
Trading hours at the new fish market will be extended to 10pm when it opens; compared to the former 4pm closing time.<\/p>\n
Mr Kouros said he was keen for the extended hours planned, particularly in anticipation of the holiday season.<\/p>\n
“It’ll be harder but it’ll be better for us\u2026 we’re never not busy,” Mr Kouros said.<\/p>\n
The longer opening hours were aimed at attracting visitors to stay for sunset, with a view of the Anzac Bridge from the fish markets.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The new Sydney Fish Market will have extended trading hours until 10pm. (Supplied: NSW government)<\/p>\n
Mr Jarosch described it as a “once-in-a-generational change” with a double the amount of visitors expected to be spread across longer trading hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We’re capturing more of the market across the extended day,” he said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Housing on the horizon<\/p>\n
Mr Gellibrand says the old fish market site at Pyrmont will be converted into more than 1,000 homes. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)<\/p>\n
The government-owned land at the old fish market site in Pyrmont has been slated for residential development, with up to 1,200 homes on the horizon.<\/p>\n