Words: Varun Godinho
CBRE has been appointed as the property and facilities manager for the sprawling new Sydney Fish Market which will officially open on 19 January 2026.
The market is billed by the NSW government as “one of the most complex and ambitious projects ever undertaken on Sydney Harbour”, with the construction now complete and fit-outs currently underway at the property.
The new structure stands on 481 marine piles, 6,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement, with over 400 roof cassettes and 594 glulam timber beams delivered by barge from Glebe Island.
The roof’s design allows sunlight to illuminate upper levels, collect rainwater for recycling, and generate energy via solar panels to offset the building’s energy consumption. The roof can also be lit up with multi-coloured LED lights for special events.
There will be over 6,000 square metres of accessible public domain, and the site’s cultural and historical storytelling is integrated throughout the Civic Plaza with five creative installations that honour the area’s First Nations heritage and its industrial past.
Underneath the building, there are seawall tiles, coral panels and hanging fish habitats installed to support marine life in Blackwattle Bay.
Retail space will double compared to the current fish market, and the new building will offer a mix of local seafood traders, specialty food retailers and diverse dining options.
CBRE’s executive managing director of property management Natalie Slessor said partnering with Sydney Fish Market and the NSW Government to manage this facility was an opportunity for her company to showcase the strength and capability of its property management team.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is a landmark that embodies the spirit of Sydney. We’re humbled to play a role in managing such an extraordinary destination that means so much to our community,” Slessor says.
CBRE has collaborated with the NSW Government and Sydney Fish Market Pty Ltd on several delivery aspects of the new market, including procurement and commissioning as well as operational readiness of the precinct.
Designed by 3XN/GXN Architects, in association with BVN and Aspect Studios, the new facility is forecast to attract more than six million domestic and international visitors, with its new glass façade offering visitors a front-row seat to live fish auctions.
This article first appeared in FM.
