The new Sydney Fish Market - Concept and Stage 1

Please refer to attachment.

SYDNEY FISH MARKET IS THE MASTHEAD OF THE NSW FISHING INDUSTRY
• The SFM brand is associated with being a credible and reliable source of unique and high-quality seafood, with the brand and reputational goodwill contributing to an estimated 16 % of total retail revenue.
• The NSW Government has emphasised the importance of the NSW commercial fishng industry and has a vision of SFM taking up the role as the industry’s hub as well as the public’s window into the industry. As the foremost public representation and exhibition space for the NSW seafood industry, the new SFM will provide greatly improved visibility of the industry to the community. The expanded facilities of the new SFM will serve as the focal point for the NSW seafood industry.
• Visibility will literally be increased through the open design of the new facility. Visitors will be able to obtain a close-up firsthand view of operations at the premier seafood industry facility in NSW.
• The increase in international visitor numbers will serve to heighten awareness and raise the profile of Australian seafood on a global scale. Much as the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a showcase for Australian agriculture and livestock, the new Sydney Fish Market will similarly be an international showcase for Australian seafood. The presentation of the product in a world-class and industry-leading facility will serve to significantly raise the profile and prestige of both industry and product.
• Education will be a primary offering of the new SFM. In addition to expanded facilities for the Sydney Seafood School, interactive educational initiatives at the new SFM will encourage public interest and raise the profile of the local product.
• Educational initiatives will provide opportunities for the public to learn about the history of the industry and the sustainability and provenance of the seafood products.

Dear Madam/Sir

There is so much that I have appreciated as a Glebe resident for more than 40 years. Glebe is close to the CBD yet has its own character, including a strong sense of community, precious open spaces & small parks, heritage buildings & the wonderful waterfront walkway.

I am extremely concerned about both DA proposals for the new Sydney Fish Market – Concept & Stage 1 and Stage 2. Thus, I am writing a letter of objection to both proposals.

Effects on the Ecological System of Blackwattle Bay
There are already a large number of toxic metals in the existing sediment mix of the bay. Further contamination would inevitably result from this project were it to be approved, that would then set back the progress made over recent years.
Projects & research have been undertaken to identify what sea life does still exist in the bay by Sydney University academics, with growing numbers of some species having been found.

Impact of Loss of Direct Site Lines from Wentworth Park to Blackwattle Bay
The resumption of land used by the cement works & the old coal loader site along Bridge Rd for this project offer an opportunity to create a view straight out to the water of the bay.
In these times where people work long hours & have huge pressures on them to make ends meet, where time with loved ones is limited, having/creating spaces in which to relax & slow down are not to be underestimated. The acquisition of this site could create an opportunity to appreciate natural beauty as people move through this area.

Increased Traffic & Fewer Parking Places in Local Streets
It is surprising that the light rail system, already overcrowded during both morning & evening weekday peak times and at weekends, would remain the sole form of public transport under these proposals. With the expected increase in both Sydneysiders & tourists coming to the precinct, additional, efficient public transport options would be of obvious benefit.
Through traffic would also be a problem & would move more slowly than it currently does at peak times.
Whilst some car parking is being proposed, it is of concern there would very likely be overflow onto the surrounding streets, where parking is already extremely tight at times. Add tourist buses looking for parking, & the problems would be exacerbated.

Finding a temporary site for the fish markets while new markets & a smaller scale residential development are built on their current site would be a better option for the greater good.

Dear Madam/Sir,

We write in support of the new Sydney Fish Market development at Blackwattle Bay. The Sydney Fish Market is a member of the Committee for Sydney and is the flagship for the NSW Seafood Industry. The redevelopment will have significant positive impacts on the economies of NSW and Sydney, and will help rejuvenate Blackwattle Bay with new planned public spaces and amazing design.

Sydney Fish Market is a global brand widely renowned for quality of product and unique visitor experiences. We believe that the $750m investment in a new facility for this leading attraction is essential to maintain its status as a pre-eminent provider of produce. The new Sydney Fish Market will have the ability to build on this capacity and showcase the best of Sydney’s produce in an iconic building, designed by world-class architects. The facilities will be a new hub for cultural tourism and the promotion of Sydney, and this we are proud to support.

The Sydney Fish Market development will also create new vibrant and attractive public spaces for the Bays Precinct, opening public access to Blackwattle Bay and the Harbour from Wentworth Park. The development will create a waterfront promenade that will form a vital segment of Sydney’s Cultural Ribbon. The opening of access to the Harbour, Sydney’s most important open space, will reinforce the inextricable cultural and historical connection between Harbour and City.

The new Sydney Fish Market and its surrounding public spaces, in our view, have the potential to increase public transport connections to the area. Infrastructure initiatives such as a Bays Precinct Metro West Station, and on-demand ferry services to Blackwattle Bay, will be of significant benefit to both residents and tourists, linking the cultural nodes of our great city.

An important cultural resource, the Sydney Fish Market is also a working market, and the central hub for the NSW Seafood Industry. The expanded facilities should generate hundreds of additional full-time jobs annually that will contribute positively to Sydney’s economy. The redevelopment is also expected to boost NSW’s Gross State Product (GSP) by as much as $61m per year. In addition to the economic benefits, we see the new facilities as an effective place to raise awareness of the NSW Seafood Industry, providing educational initiatives for the public on this important segment of the Sydney and NSW economies. The development will drive jobs and growth in Sydney and NSW, and therefore the Proposal warrants great support from our organisation.

The Sydney Fish Market development will create an iconic destination along Sydney Harbour. It will be a beautiful masterplan, integrating both form and function, and will stand as a new premier Sydney landmark. The Committee for Sydney gives the Proposal our full support.

See attachment titled JonesHardwickFishMarketObjectionLetter121119

I object to this project on the grounds set out in the attached letter.

Murray Jewell

“I am a member of Glebe Rowing Club (GRC), an amateur, volunteer based rowing club that has operated on the water of Blackwattle Bay since 1879. The Bay is our home and we rely on safe water conditions for our 150 members to continue to use the water.

I support the overall Fish Markets development as a positive for the local community and Sydney residents and visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to open up the land around Blackwattle Bay for use by the community.

I object to some important aspects of the proposed development and request:

- improved analysis of the impact on water traffic be undertaken and factored into the design and Master Plan;

- modifications be made to the design of the Eastern Wharf to ensure the safety of rowers; and

- the implementation of necessary safety provisions during the early works project into the construction contract to ensure the safety of water users during the long construction phase.

My club has provided more detail on these concerns in its submission. I have read that submission and agree with its contents.”

Thanks

I have a number of concerns regarding Stage 1 which I understand to be the demolition of the concrete batching plant and the remediation of the site in preparation for the new Sydney Fish Markets.
As a local land owner (84 Wentworth Park Road Glebe), I'm particularly concerned about traffic, noise and dust during these works, that is demolition and construction noise and increasing traffic from demolition and construction trucks, and the workers working on the site.
How will the traffic, noise and dust be managed? How will the contractor ensure that heavy trucks are not queuing along the adjacent roads, potentially causing blockages and safety hazards? The hours for demolition and construction need to consistent with a residential area, that is, not before 7:30am. One only needs to look at other worksites in the City of Sydney to see where the contractors push the boundaries by starting earlier than stated in their approvals and work later than approvals. And this not only applies to the start/finish times of the works but also the times where noisy construction activities can be conducted.
There needs to be effective and independent monitoring and heavy penalties for non-compliance, and a simple process for reporting such breaches including a confidential method.
In terms of dust, what assessments have been on whether there is asbestos or lead based paints in or on any of the structures that will be demolished. What assessment has been done to ascertain whether any heavy chemicals will be disturbed as part of the demolition and remediation of the site?
In addition, the government, as the developer, needs to ensure that the floodwaters associated with a 1 in 100 year storm can be effectively and efficiently dispersed to Blackwattle Bay.

Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Sydney NSW
Attention: Director –Key Sites Assessments
RE SSD – 8924 –The new Sydney Fish Market Concept and Stage 1

LETTER OF OBJECTION
Dear Sir/Madam
I object to the above DA on the following grounds :
1 Environment: Building on the proposed location will involve disturbing existing toxic sediments which are present at high levels with consequent risk to fish, molluscs, starfish and other species in Blackwattle Bay.
2 Traffic Congestion: There will be a significant increase in traffic in the area. The traffic modelling does not take account of additional traffic generated by any high rise development on the current site and on other sites in the area. The Government’s modelling confirms there will be at least 400 additional vehicles using Bridge Road to enter the carpark during the week day peak period, which is a 100% increase on current levels. The increased traffic on Bridge Road will make access along this road unmanageable.
3 Parking in Glebe’s Residential Streets: I am concerned that visitors to the new Fish Market will be tempted to park in Glebe’s residential streets, where free parking is available in the evenings and at weekends.
4 Discrimination against people with mobility impairment: The proposed extension of the Glebe foreshore walk at the Fish Markets will force walkers to climb stairs and force those in wheelchairs to find a lift inside the building. This is a contravention of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
5 Loss of Amenity: Building the Fish Market on the site proposed will spoil the natural amenities of the Bay and Wentworth Park and the visual link between them.
6 The land which the current fish-market occupies is government-owned - i.e. for the amenity of the public. I object to public land being sold into private ownership for development purposes. I would revise this objection if the property was long-term leased for the development of affordable housing with parks and garden areas.
Carole Herriman

Lindsay Hermes
Policy & Government Relations Manager
Tourism & Transport Forum | www.ttf.org.au

Mail PO Box R 1804, Royal Exchange, Sydney, NSW 1225
Address Level 6, 7 Macquarie Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone 02 9240 2015 Mobile 0418 948 447
Email [email protected]

This is an essential development providing the upgraded infrastructure required for businesses operating out of the fish market, an experiential and educational opportunity for visitors and a facility the city and state can be proud of. I fully support the project and look forward to visiting when it is completed.

I object to moving the Fish market from its current site for the following reasons.

Transport
The traffic management for the proposed site will be a disaster for both patrons and Glebe residents. The modelling neglects the fact that more traffic will be in the area due to more apartment blocks on the current site.
Parking in Glebe streets is already at a premium. With more drivers circulating while looking for a spot log jams are inevitable for much of the weekend and weekday lunchtimes. Bridge Road already becomes quite impassable every evening peak hour.

Loss of Amenity: Break with the existing harbour path
The world-class harbour side path that starts at the bottom of Glebe Point road will not be able to continue through the markets without the use of stairs. This will make it inaccessible for wheelchair users, people with prams or shopping trolleys.
The current site is closer to Darling Harbour and the city and thus encourages more patrons to walk or cycle.

Environmental
The sediment of the proposed site is contaminated and disturbing it will cause further degradation.

Further modifications to both the Concept and Demolition plans are required to ensure that:
1. the marine ecology of the bay is protected from disturbed chemical contaminants during demolition and construction.
2. Adequate public transport is provided to the new site. A bus or tram service from Parramatta Road along Pyrmont Bridge Road to the City should be re-instated (former Route 459).
3. Continuity of level, pedestrian access along the Sydney Harbour foreshore is maintained - from Glebe to Pyrmont and City.
4. Vistas from Wentworth Park to the harbour are not obstructed by a dominant new structure.
5. The extent of development over the waters of Sydney Harbour is minimised.
6. Public access to the water and public land is maintained and enhanced by the development and the building does not dominate its landscape/harbourscape setting.

Please refer to the attached file.

WalkSydney would like the project to take account of the recommendations in the attached submission

I am a member of Glebe Rowing Club (GRC), an amateur, volunteer based rowing club that has operated on the water of Blackwattle Bay since 1879. The Bay is our home and we rely on safe water conditions for our 150 members to continue to use the water.
I support the overall Fish Markets development as a positive for the local community and Sydney residents and visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to open up the land around Blackwattle Bay for use by the community.
I object to some important aspects of the proposed development and request:
- improved analysis of the impact on water traffic be undertaken and factored into the design and Master Plan;
- modifications be made to the design of the Eastern Wharf to ensure the safety of rowers; and
- the implementation of necessary safety provisions during the early works project into the construction contract to ensure the safety of water users during the long construction phase.
I have provided more detail on these concerns in this attachment prepared by my club.

I wish to raise a large number of concerns in response to the exhibition of the SSDA for the new Sydney Fish Markets – Concept Proposal and Stage 1 Works and “Stage 2”. I have been closely following the planning of this site and I’m deeply disappointed in the process and the lack of transparency about what is being planned and the assessment of likely impacts. My concerns relate to the process, access to and movement around the site, the proposed built form and the proposed landscape and are outlined in detail in the attached file.
Process
I'm concerned that the process for identifying the location, size of the fish markets and its integration with the rest of the city is occurring in an uncoordinated manner, with superficial consideration being given to key concerns. The decision to advertise both the Concept Proposal and Stage 1 Works and Stage 2 at the same time, especially given the absence of a Masterplan for the area, is not desirable and
appears disingenuous as there seems little likelihood that comments on the “Concept” will inform the development of “Stage 2”. The proposed development is substantially larger than the current markets and by moving the markets onto the water it creates the likelihood than an even bigger development will occur on the current Fishmarket site. Approval of the Concept Proposal and Stage 1 and Stage 2 works is therefore premature given the absence of an approved Masterplan for this section of the Bay’s Precinct which would consider the impact of both developments in the wider context.
Access and movement
The traffic report states “The road network impacts arising from the development of the wider area, including the redevelopment of the existing fish market site, will be detailed in a separate study as part of the rezoning application for the Blackwattle Bay district.” This is not a comprehensive way of assessing the impacts of this development and other developments in the Bays Market District. Effective strategic planning requires an understanding of the cumulative impacts of the development of the area before approvals are granted, not after. The traffic study also states that “Improved public transport to the site, particularly with the advent of a station at the Bays Precinct as part of Sydney Metro West and improved bus services to support Blackwattle Bay“ will assist in mitigating the impact of increasing the size of the development substantially without providing additional parking. Public transport improvements, while highly desirable, are not quantified in the proposal, but only implied and cannot be relied on at this time.
Built Form
Built Form and Design Analysis states that “the height of significant trees in Wentworth Park informed the height of the proposed building envelope with the roof edge seeking to relate to the tree line and not exceed the height of the existing cement batch plant (28.7 metres high) as a reference datum." The plans state the existing Morton Bay Fig Trees have an RL of 25.48. This defies logic. The existing Morton Bay Fig Trees do not look to be taller than about 12-15m not 22m in height. If this is truly an error, it would mean the impact of the proposed development is substantially greater than is stated in the submission. Built Form and Design Analysis in the Concept Design Report states “The built forms to the west of Wentworth Park (Glebe) are made up of small lots with majority of terrace houses at 1 to 2 storeys high with some more recent multi-storey apartment developments. ... The proposed development will consist of 3 levels above ground”. While describing the proposed development as “3 storeys” is technically correct, with a wharf level of between RL3.3 to RL4.3 this makes the building 15 to 24m high, which is similar in scale to a 7 storey residential building, not a 3 storey building. Additionally, using the existing tower element on a cement works (which is being demolished) of an industrial use to justify the roof height of a very large building is tenuous especially as it ignores the smaller residential scale developments that will remain in the local area. The proposed scheme “turns it back” to Bridge Road and focuses the activation towards the water on a very elevated “upper ground floor” that is 5.5m above street level. This podium approach not only creates an inactivated and unsafe ground level along Bridge Road and alongside the water’s edge it also discourages and blocks access along the foreshore. This is unacceptable particularly as it creates a break in the continuous foreshore access and creates a podium level that is difficult for the disabled and those with prams. Relocating the Fish Markets auction house to the first floor and bringing the activation of retail and food and beverage back to the ground level, with a closer and more intimate relationship to the water, would create a more accessible, transparent and activated street level environment.
The new retail and food and drink premises are proposed to be 12,100sqm. This is in addition to 11,000sqm of Fish Markets. To put this in context Barangaroo South is approximately 16,000sqm of retail, cafes, bars. This would mean the proposed retail is only 25% smaller than that at Barangaroo South. The current Fish Markets are only approximately 6,500sqm, so there is a proposed 355% increase on existing area.
I'm also concerned about noise impacts of the proposed development. The current Fish Markets close at 4pm and has limited outdoor dining. The proposed development is intended to operate from 7am - 10pm Sundays to Thursdays and 7pm to 12am (midnight) Fridays and Saturdays and have extensive outdoor dining areas. This is a small bay and noises travels easily across the water to surrounding quiet residential areas. Restricted licences that are monitored for impact on the surrounding area and do not allow outdoor music will be critical for all outdoor spaces.
Landscape
The existing Morton Bay Fig Trees are an important feature of this part of Sydney. It will be critical with any development that the health of these trees is not compromised. When Barangaroo was being planned there were large and significant Fig trees along Hickson Road but the impact of the dust and construction of the development killed all the trees in this area. It would be incredibly sad if this impact also occurred along Bridge Road.
Conclusion
I support the retention of the Fish Markets in this part of Sydney and understand the need to move the Fish Markets to a new location to allow the existing markets to continue operating during redevelopment. I hope that the NSW State Government will take the time to ensure that this facility, and the entire Bays Market District, contributes to the creation of a great place that is connected and integrated into the surrounding area and doesn’t create a blight on the surrounding area with increased traffic, unacceptable noise impacts and an unsafe and disconnected waterfront and streetscape area.

I am a member of Glebe Rowing Club (GRC), an amateur, volunteer based rowing club that has operated on the water of Blackwattle Bay since 1879. The Bay is our home and we rely on safe water conditions for our 150 members to continue to use the water.

I support the overall Fish Markets development as a positive for the local community and Sydney residents and visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to open up the land around Blackwattle Bay for use by the community.

I object to some important aspects of the proposed development and request:

- improved analysis of the impact on water traffic be undertaken and factored into the design and Master Plan;

- modifications be made to the design of the Eastern Wharf to ensure the safety of rowers; and

- the implementation of necessary safety provisions during the early works project into the construction contract to ensure the safety of water users during the long construction phase.

I have provided more detail on these concerns in this attachment prepared by my club

I would like to formalise my strong support for both applications:
• Sydney Fish Market Concept and Stage 1 and
• Sydney Fish Market Stage 2.

The development of the fish market will provide strong community benefits and is in the public interest because:
• It will increase permeability, connectivity and access to a desirable foreshore environment.
• It will rectify the existing industrial contamination matters, and seek to generally improve the environmental quality of area, (and in doing so, put right the ‘sins of the past’).
• It will provide a flagship destination for tourism (local and international).
• It will provide a revitalised precinct will be, and enjoyed by both local residents (of which I am one) and tourists alike.
• It will complete the reclaiming of the Blackwattle Bay foreshore for public purposes, and in doing so will complete the state government’s plan for greater active and passive recreational pursuits, and transportation methods.
• It will positive enhance pedestrian thoroughfare and greater pedestrian amenity linking Blackwattle Bay in Glebe, via Wentworth Park to the Pyrmont area (and city) which is an area that has struggled with permeability in the past and has been underutilised.
• In completing the reclamation of Blackwattle Bay foreshore, the project will have an enduring positive legacy for ongoing generations, it positively encapsulates the principle of intergeneration equity and should be approved.

There are areas that need ongoing management including traffic management, strong litter management and ongoing contamination monitoring. These matters do need to be appropriately mitigated and managed, but can surely be achieved to ensure that this iconic project proceeds in the public’s interest.

I would further clarify that the Glebe Society does not accurately represent the views of all local community members, and that fear should not stand in the way of considered, and managed development of our great city.

“I am a member of Glebe Rowing Club (GRC), an amateur, volunteer based rowing club that has operated on the water of Blackwattle Bay since 1879. The Bay is our home and we rely on safe water conditions for our 150 members to continue to use the water.
I support the overall Fish Markets development as a positive for the local community and Sydney residents and visitors. It is an amazing opportunity to open up the land around Blackwattle Bay for use by the community.
I object to some important aspects of the proposed development and request:
- improved analysis of the impact on water traffic be undertaken and factored into the design and Master Plan;
- modifications be made to the design of the Eastern Wharf to ensure the safety of rowers; and
- the implementation of necessary safety provisions during the early works project into the construction contract to ensure the safety of water users during the long construction phase.
I support the detail on these concerns that has been raised via the submission prepared by my club.”