Center Stage for the Catch New Sydney Fish Market
The New Sydney Fish Market is a lively wholesale market where more than 50 tonnes of seafood are handled every day and a major attraction for visitors. More than 16 kilometres of Geberit PE piping ensure reliable drainage throughout the facility.
The lower level is where the heart of the market beats in the early hours of the morning: delivery trucks roll in, the catch is unloaded, sorted and sold to bulk buyers in the auction hall. Between 50 and 60 tonnes of fish and seafood are processed here every day. On the public levels above, a spacious, light-filled world unfolds: open market areas, inviting restaurants and expansive glass fronts allow visitors to look directly into the work processes below and experience the activity firsthand.
With the new building, which opened only in January this year, Sydney now has the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere. It is expected to attract around six million visitors annually. Danish architectural firm 3XN, in collaboration with BVN Architecture and Aspect Studios, has created not only a new centre for the local fishing industry, but also a welcoming meeting place for locals and tourists at Blackwattle Bay.
The wave-shaped, fish-scale-like roof seems to float above the market and defines the building’s silhouette. Made of wood and 407 prefabricated roof elements, it spans an area of around 20,000 m² and weighs 2,500 tonnes. Its sophisticated geometry allows it to collect rainwater which, once treated, covers half of the Fish Market’s water needs.
Geberit PE is used extensively within the building for high‑demand sanitary, tradewaste, and fish and seafood processing applications. These areas generate wastewater with high levels of organic matter, fats, oils, and cleaning chemicals, conditions that require a robust, chemically resistant piping solution.
Geberit PE was selected because it can be integrated directly into the high‑strength concrete of the supporting structure and continues to perform reliably under significant loads. The material is pressure‑resistant, durable, and flexible enough to be installed precisely, even in complex layouts.
In total, more than 16 kilometres of Geberit PE pipes were installed in the New Sydney Fish Market — ensuring reliable drainage for this extraordinary market hall.
“The New Sydney Fish Market is transforming an underutilised harbour area into a vibrant public realm, delivering an authentic market experience rooted in the context of its prime waterfront location while enhancing the entire surrounding precinct.”
Audun Opdal, Senior Partner at 3XN.
Facts
Geberit Know-how
Geberit products used in the project
- Geberit PE drainage system
Architects
Architects
- Client: Multiplex
- Architecture: 3XN Architects, in collaboration with BVN and Aspect Studios
- Completion: January 2026
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