\n<\/p>\n
The taxpayer-funded development, set to debut in November, has faced ballooning costs since breaking ground in 2021, compounded by persistent design conflicts that have stalled progress. The market\u2019s 38 existing tenants have also raised alarms about inadequate power supply for their refrigeration demands in the new facility.<\/p>\n
When reporters visited the current site, traders stayed tight-lipped, citing a gag order. \u201cMerchants aren\u2019t our official voices and are asked to forward media questions to us,\u201d a market spokesperson clarified. Yet Kerry Strangas, a seasoned 67-year-old fish seller with nearly five decades at the market and head of the Master Fish Merchants\u2019 Association, spoke out. He described a boiling frustration among vendors, with some still refusing to ink leases for the new space. \u201cOne guy holding several leases hasn\u2019t committed, and a buddy of mine is so fed up he\u2019s ready to quit,\u201d Strangas shared.<\/p>\n
The ambitious $1 billion endeavor has been hit by design snags and cost overruns, with at least two key traders still uncommitted to the move. Strangas, while critical, sees potential in escaping the crumbling current market. \u201cIt\u2019d be shut down if it were anywhere else in the city\u2014too many nagging problems make it a chore for us,\u201d he said, though he\u2019s skeptical of a 2025 opening: \u201cThe roofer\u2019s gone belly-up, and a plumber\u2019s teetering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Infrastructure NSW confirmed all 23 new retail leases are locked in but punted questions about holdovers to Sydney Fish Market, which dodged claims of trader discontent or unsigned contracts. The agency insists the design aligns with tenant needs after extensive consultations, but Strangas flagged concerns like restricted truck access and tricky fish transport logistics involving lifts.<\/p>\n
Despite the grumbling, Strangas and some peers are hopeful for a new chapter. \u201cWe\u2019ll take what we get and make it work,\u201d he said. Still, fears persist about future rent hikes\u2014current rates may hold for a few years before jumping to pricier urban levels, though the market stayed mum on this point.<\/p>\n
The project\u2019s troubles go deeper: Multiplex, the lead builder, cited industry-wide cost spikes but sidestepped subcontractor woes. The firm behind the $200 million \u201cwave roof,\u201d Sharvain Facades, collapsed into administration post-completion, and other subcontractors reportedly bled millions. Infrastructure NSW, however, claims the budget\u2019s intact.<\/p>\n
Financially, Sydney Fish Market is wobbling, with an expected $8 million deficit for 2023-24 per the Sydney Morning Herald, and insolvency advisors on board\u2014though it denies insolvency rumors. \u201cWe\u2019re gearing up to open by year\u2019s end,\u201d a spokesperson vowed, promising financial filings soon.<\/p>\n
As the new site\u2014practically next door to its Blackwattle Bay home\u2014nears its finish line, the saga leaves traders and seafood lovers bracing for what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n