The new Sydney Fish Market - Stage 2

Please refer to attachment.

POINT (1) ,,,I feel that there will not be enough parking in the proposal as indicated of 400 parking spots ,,,, Most of that will be taken up by employees and leaving the rest of the Huge amount of tourists and visitors to park in Glebe streets at the expense of local residents ,,, There is proposed that millions of people will visit the new market ,,, I believe it would be a case for keeping a section of the existing market for more parking and not parking for proposed new apartment owners to use ,,,, Try not to be too greedy with selling off the existing site . Or better still build the new Market on the old site and open up BlackWattle Bay to the Public as a foreshore .

POINT (2) ,,,,At the moment hoards of Tourist Buses stop on the main road near the traffic lights on Wattle street restricting traffic to 1 lane and making for a unsafe condition ,,,, You should triple the proposed amount of Tourist coach and small bus access and parking at the site ,,,,

POINT (3) There should be a wide and high bridge access over Bridge road to the Market area for people to sit or walk across with out traffic lights needed ,,, One at each end or the Market near Wattle & Wentworth Park road ,,,, WITHOUT out Cutting Down the WW1 Historic Fig tree Plantings in the Park

POINT (4) The Plan indicates a main height of 3 Stories out over the water ,,, But in fact its height really is more like 5 or more Floors of normal size ,,, There fore there is a Loss of City view to Glebe residents along the height behind the Railway line ,,, Although you are removing an industrial eyesore you new building will stick out more into the bay blocking views of the city ... and according to the plan it will have A Fishscale design that will focus flares in winter time to the same people loosing their view ...,,, If there was to be some height in the design it should be right in the middle where no one will loses their view

POINT (5) I have lots of photos but don't see a section to upload them here on this site ,,, Taken from the existing foreshore walkway ,,, There should be clear access for the walkway to continue around unencumbered by restrictions of restraints by channeling people to shops & selling site ,,, Not like the land grab of the Foreshore at Barrangaroo when you have to walk around the building .

POINT (6) Please take into account the simplicity and charm of the existing Fish Market ,,, Where there is about 90 seats under permanent umbrellas and tables FREE to the Public to get food and wine and sit down in a non pressured site ,,, DON'T GET GREEDY and ruin one of the Best Fish market in the World ,,, Leave the $ out of the project for once and think of the people .,,, I tried to load jpeg photos to no avail .

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.

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

Murray Jewell

Planning and Assessment
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Sydney NSW
Attention: Director –Key Sites Assessments

SSD -8925 –The new Sydney Fish Market Stage 2
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.

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]

COTA NSW would like to raise concerns in relation to mobility access of the proposed design, in both the building and the surrounding outdoor amenity. The current design does not appear to be best practice in terms of accessibility, for people with disability, older people or even families with prams. The proposal should include a designated topic that address the proposals response to disability access requirements and how this space will be inclusive for all ages and abilities. This could be placed under Sustainability as social or inclusive design. It appears that the childrens space has been designed with raised sections on the surface, that would make it difficult for wheelchair, pram or people with other impairments to use this space. I refer to the NSW Planning document 'Everyone Can Play' which espouses the concept of designing playspaces to be inclusive for everyone. The ramp to the upper floor appears to be steep which would hinder older people from using it and would also inhibit wheelchair users. There does not appear to be thought provided to vision impaired people in relation to contrast and use of tactiles. Does the applicant have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan?
The Sydney Fish Market is being promoted as a major tourist attraction for Sydney. Accessible tourism will make up 25% of all international trips by 2020. If you consider the number of cruise ships that dock in Sydney and the passengers that you wish to attract to the fish markets, many of whom will be older people, it would seem prudent to ensure that the design of the building would consider the needs of these visitors.
It is vital that a building and precinct of this importance is designed to allow easy and inclusive access to all patrons, with the same opportunities to enjoy the amenity and views of more able visitors.

I'm concerned that this DA appears to be a stand-alone, that is, is not part of a master plan that includes other developments across and through the Pyrmont Peninsula including but not limited to the old Fish Markets site, Glebe Island, old Balmain power station, Star Casino, old Powerhouse Museum site, and the alignment of the new train line including the location of the train station. Added to this we have the second harbour crossing and the massive road interchange at Lilyfield.

The cumulative impact on the community could be considerable.

A proposed ferry terminal is a real positive and this needs to occur, please don't dangle the carrot if you (the Government) have no intention of actually delivering it. You'd think that it could be incorporated into a new loop that includes Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Rozelle Bay and perhaps Balmain. And make it free for those attending the fish markets, make it attractive so that tourists will use this as the preferred way to access the markets from Circular Quay. What a fantastic opportunity, Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, underneath the Harbour Bridge, adjacent to Barangaroo, views to the working class suburb of Balmain.

If the new Sydney Fish Markets could be carbon neutral then that would be a good thing, the use of alternate low carbon means of transportation would be a good thing, as I said a new ferry service would be great, spaces for charging of electric cars should be provided within the car park, and make it a condition that any buses operating to/from the site are also low carbon and/or low emissions. The provision of bicycle parking is also important, however cycling is a double edged sword, good from a health and emissions point of view, bad from a pedestrian safety point of view especially if the site becomes part of a (cyclist) commuter route. From my experience, pedestrians and cyclists do not mix, all measures need to be employed to park safe access for pedestrians, safe areas for people strolling to be separated from those in lycra.

Obviously it's important there is a high degree of accessibility disabled persons, but the configuration of and the distances from the local light rail stations makes this a bit difficult. I'm not convinced that the three light rail stations are an easy walk. And the location of a new metro station is, at this stage, an unknown.

As provision of a local bus network wiith drop-off zones adjacent to the new a Fish Markets could assist in providing a low carbon solution.

The intersection of Bridge Road and Wentworth Park Road one of my key concerns. Installing traffic lights will make the intersection is a good thing, it will make it safer for all road users, but such a proposal should be independent of any discussion to build the new Sydney Fish Markets.

But I'm not convinced that your traffic modelling in the DA is correct where it claims that no more a 5% increase in traffic flows compared to current levels. Whilst one accepts that the doubling of visitor numbers will be over the next decade or so, a slight increase in vehicular seems implausible at best, denial or clearly incorrect at worst.

During the construction phase the local residents will pay a heavy price, increased congestion, increased noise, increased demand on parking.

The other significant issue with this intersection is that it floods during moderate to heavy rain. I'm not taking about 1 in a 100 year flood events, I'm talking about probably 1 in a 20 year flood event, possibly a 1 in a 10 year flood event. I believe that the Government, as the developer, needs to address this issue. Raising the level of Bridge Road to the height of Wentworth Park can only exacerbate the issue as the intersection will be the lowest point on the flood plain. In any event the developer, the Government, needs to spend the money to fix the issue, it can't be left for the City of Sydney to fix this issue. Sufficient drainage needs to be installed to cater for moderate to heavy rain, so the summer storms, and the east coast low weather patterns.

Streets in the vicinity are likely to experience considerable pressure for parking as a result of the new fish market development, especially, and its acknowledged tin the DA that parking demands during peak periods will be managed by using off-street car parks. It concerns me that coaches will be required to park and wait off site in nearby streets such as Bank Street, Wattle Street and Wentworth Park Road. There is no solution the DA, acknowledgement but no solution, and this is likely to be a very serious local problem, extending across the Glebe and Pyrmont peninsulas. The drop-off and pick-up is the same location, I understand this and why this is the case, however once the bus drops of the visitors then its a very long route to get back to the same location, perhaps a distance of 3 kilometres, through often heavily congested road network.

There needs to be further modelling done to examine all traffic flows in and around the new Sydney Fish Markets, including traffic in and through Glebe and potential new developments. It could be that Bellevue Street between Bridge Road and Bridge Lane needs to be converted to a pedestrian boulevard. Certainly there needs to be road markings installed now to remind motorists not to queue across the exit from Bridge Lane to Wentworth Park Road.

Noise pollution from the new Sydney Markets is of concern, early morning arrivals, traffic throughout the day with no respite and then late night departures. The reversing of articulated vehicles, trucks and vans, into the loading dock, and high and increasing ambient noise levels from vehicular traffic. What controls will be put in place to limit late evening noise from the site, especially music from various venues. Late evening patrons from the restaurants and bars will be noisy when walking from and especially to the light rail, waiting for Uber and other ride share vehicles, walking Glebe Point Road and to Broadway. I have this from first hand experience after living in Evans Street, Rozelle where the patrons from the 3 Weeds (Rose, Shamrock and Thistle hotel) would wander along the street to Victoria Road. Loud noises and discarded or broken beer bottles were very common.

I'm also concerned about vermin from the new Sydney Fish Markets, so what controls will be put in place on-site and in the environs, to manage and control vermin. Then we are likely to have a serious problem with bird activity, ibis, seagulls and even pelicans. So what controls will be out in place on-site and in the environs to manage and control bird activity, especially the bin-chickens and seagulls from perching on adjacent buildings.

The disturbance of heavy metals during the construction phase is of concern given that the site is located within an area of ‘high probability’ of acid sulfate soil within bottom sediments. According to the Department for the Environment, acid sulfate soils are natural sediments that contain iron sulfides and when disturbed or exposed to air these soils can release acid, damaging built structures and harming or killing animals and plants. This concerns me greatly.

My expectation is that as an owner of a property adjacent to the new Sydney Fish Markets then I should be no worse off in terms of noise, that is, a no disadvantage test should be applied, no worse off in terms of vermin, no worse off in terms of bird activity.

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.

Please see attached correspondence from Mr Dale Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Regards,
Jaci Armstrong

First and foremost, I fully support this project.

I have worked at the Sydney Fish Market for most of my professional life and have experienced several failed attempts to redevelop the existing site. The proposed new fish market will deliver many benefits to the local community, workers on the site and boost tourism for Sydney and NSW, whilst at the same time delivering to the Australian Seafood Industry new hope, confidence and pride in its masthead operation.

As was the vision in the mid-1980's to convert the marshalling yards and freight consolidation centre at Darling Harbour into a pedestrian and tourist precinct, the new Sydney Fish Market at its proposed location, purpose built design, functionality, connectivity with the community and the seafood industry, and improved access, will without doubt be Australia's next iconic landmark.

I look forward to the official ribbon cutting ceremony for what will be a state of the art facility with a new bench-mark for innovative design, improved operational efficiency and a fresh visitor experience for the local community and visitors in general.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Dr Hannah Middleton
Unit 39
75 St Johns Road
Glebe NSW 2037
Mob: 0418 290 663

Submission on
SSD-8924 – the new Sydney Fish Market Concept Stage 1
SSD – 8925 – The New Sydney Fish Market Stage 2

The projected new fish market is nowhere related to other developments (including the multi-use facility and the Hanson concrete batching facility, both on Glebe Island) in the Bays Precinct that are being pushed independently without any consideration of their cumulative impact on our community.
The proposed development will be built over what is currently harbour. RMS has always insisted that over-water developments should be essential and minimal. This is neither; it is planned for maximum retail profitability. What are the benefits to the community in creating more retail spaces when Glebe Point Road has many empty shops?
The three light rail stations at Glebe, Wentworth Park and the Fish Market do not provide easy access for families with young children, the elderly or the disabled. The bus parking will be for coaches, not public transport. Planning for good public bus services close to the new site has been sidelined by leaving development of a “precinctwide parking and transport mobility strategy” to an unspecified time in the future.
Local streets are likely to suffer from considerable pressure for parking as a result of the new fish market development. The projected statistics for transport networks seem likely to be wrong given the predicted increase of visitors from three to six million over the next 10 years and the construction of 2,700 or more apartments on the present fish market site
Statements that a construction noise and vibration management plan and a sedimentation and erosion control plan will be developed at an unspecified time in the future undermine the claim that “the risks posed by contamination can be managed in such a way as to be adequately protective of human health and the environment“.
Another assertion “All waste will be managed appropriately in accordance with strict guidelines” is equally not acceptable – what management and what guidelines?
Where is the benefit to the community in all this?

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.

See 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 support the detail on these concerns raised via Glebe Rowing Club submission.

Please refer to the attached submission letter

Please see attached:

Please see attached response letter.

A copy of the TfNSW response is attached. This response letter was uploaded yesterday. However, the Provide Advice Assignment Task remains open. Therefore I am uploading the same response letter again.