Sydney has further elevated its global appeal with the relocation and major redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market.
The relocation and redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market represents one of Sydney’s most significant and iconic waterfront projects. Reopened in January 2026, this state-of-the-art precinct has been designed to welcome over six million visitors annually, making it the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere and a key attraction for Sydney’s tourism and hospitality industry.
This world-class venue brings together fresh seafood wholesalers, cafés, casual and elevated dining, and live seafood auctions — all within a striking architectural environment that reflects the scale and importance of the site.
Dohrmann Consulting is proud to have contributed to this landmark project, helping ensure the safety, usability, and compliance of key accessways.
The Challenge
During the building approval process, a number of compliance issues relating to several stairways within the initial architectural design were identified.
Given the high visitor volumes, operational demands, and architectural complexity of the new fish markets, these stairways required a carefully considered analysis and performance solution to meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Multiplex engaged Dohrmann Consulting to provide specialist ergonomics expertise and to develop a compliant and validated performance solution for the stair designs, terrace sitting areas, auction rooms and access points on the main terraces.
Our Approach
According to the NCC, the Construction code requires a performance-based design brief (PBDB) with the development of any performance solution. As nationally recognised experts in stairway design and human movement within complex, built environments, we developed a PBDB in collaboration, with key stakeholders and aimed at aligning them in what had to be done to achieve compliance. It also included how it would be done and how it would be justified and validated. It included thorough details and specifications, for the design, an outline of any limitations and prescriptions for any conditions of use.
The Outcome
Based on our analysis, reporting, and design collaboration, Dohrmann Consulting delivered an expert ergonomics performance solution in line with the 2019 NCC Volume 1, Amendment 1, Clause A2.2 (2).
This included:
- Identifying all critical stairway performance and safety outcomes
- Demonstrating compliance through a structured and evidence-based approach
- Ensured approval and construction of the revised stairways
This performance solution identifies all critical activities and outcomes, such that the design process can be accepted with confidence, and provided its requirements are achieved, the design is likely to be approved. This ensured safe and functional movement for both staff and visitors.
Delivering a stunning result.
The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is a truly iconic Sydney project, and Dohrmann Consulting is honoured to have supported Multiplex in delivering a safe, compliant, and world-class facility for the public.
Our involvement highlights Dohrmann Consulting’s role as a trusted leader in ergonomics, safety, and performance-based design, contributing to some of Australia’s most prominent and technically challenging developments.
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