Situated at Blackwattle Bay, this stunning architectural building brings economic benefits, creating 700 jobs during construction and another 700 jobs once operational. The development includes a waterfront promenade and over 6,000 square metres of public open space. Visitors can experience an authentic fish market journey, witnessing seafood arrivals, auctions, and indulging in fresh seafood sales in this significant harbourside building.

A Collaborative Endeavour

The NSW Government, in collaboration with the Sydney Fish Market, has embarked on this ambitious project. Architects along with landscape architects ASPECT Studios, have been entrusted with the design while builders Multiplex are bringing this visionary project to life. With such a collaboration at the helm, the new Sydney Fish Market is expected to attract global attention and double its annual visitation to over 6 million people.

An Architectural Marvel

The design of the new Sydney Fish Market is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The architects have created a purpose-built, authentic operating fish market that will also serve as a major food and dining attraction on Sydney's inner harbour. The standout feature of the design is the distinctive wave-shaped and scale-patterned roof, honouring the fishing industry. This architectural building is visually stunning and functional for the fish market's operations.

Long-Term Structural Protection and Preservation

Engineering Fabricators Newcastle expertise in the fabrication of the steel and components which were transported to Blastcoat for application of coatings before being delivered and assembled onsite. 
Applicators, Blastcoat efficiently applied all the necessary coatings, including the intumescent coating, in their paint yard. By painting in the yard it improved painting efficiency and reduced costs but also minimised damages during transportation and installation. Having fewer tradespeople on-site, particularly for painting, allowed other trades to work uninterrupted, resulting in a safer work environment with fewer risks.

To ensure the durability and longevity of the new Sydney Fish Market's steelwork. Darren Brewer and Roger Tobler from Dulux® Protective Coatings were consulted and specified comprehensive coating systems for this purpose. These systems utilise high-quality products to provide optimal protection against corrosivity and fire hazards. A comprehensive recommendation of coating systems for different components of the market included:

Mild steelwork requiring polyurethane finish:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns DFT, is an economical zinc rich epoxy primer that provides cathodic corrosion resistance in harsh corrosive environments, with the added benefits of rapid dry and overcoat times.
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO @ 200-microns DFT, is a high-performance protective coating developed locally for Australian and New Zealand conditions, using the latest epoxy technology and is formulated with micaceous iron oxide pigment to provide enhanced barrier protection.
• Topcoat: Dulux® Luxathane® SPX in Satin @ 50-microns DFT, is a high-performance two-component acrylic polyurethane that offers a smooth, satin finish, along with very good UV resistance. With its excellent drying and recoat properties, this coating provides a long-term recoatability option for various application.

Mild steelwork requiring surface tolerant glass flake epoxy:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns DFT
• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GFX @ 250-microns DFT, is a premium high solid, high build glass flake surface-tolerant epoxy that provides resistance of assets from both corrosion and abrasion.

Internal and external cruciform mild structural steel columns requiring an intumescent coating:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns DFT
• 2nd coat: Dulux® FIRETEX® FX6002 is an ultra-fast drying intumescent coating that is specifically formulated for the fire protection of interior and exterior structural steel. With a rating to provide up to 120 minutes of cellulosic fire protection, it offers both rapid drying time and effective fire resistance capabilities.
• 3rd coat and Topcoat: Dulux® Luxathane® SPX in Satin @ 50-microns DFT

As the project progresses, we eagerly anticipate the opening of the new Sydney Fish Market, which will make an indelible mark on the city's landscape. With its vibrant atmosphere, authentic fish market experience, and a multitude of dining options, the new Sydney Fish Market will be a premier tourist destination, celebrating the rich heritage and future of the Australian seafood industry.

Image courtesy of Multiplex.