Eight Years On: Wind Engineering for the New Sydney Fish Market
Posted on February 26, 2026
It has now been eight years since Windtech first commenced wind tunnel testing and wind engineering consulting services for the New Sydney Fish Market. Returning to the completed project was a special moment for Tony, Simon, Elias and Matt, key members of our team who were closely involved in the project from its earliest design phases.
Walking through the waterfront promenades and pausing along the broad public steps, it was immensely rewarding to experience firsthand the grandness of this significant, wind sensitive roof structure and tall glazed façade which were the subject of very detailed wind tunnel studies, including assessment of loads during the construction phases. We were also delighted to wander through the carefully curated wind conditions in the various outdoor areas across the site. The outdoor areas, including the generous seating terraces and seating over the steps overlooking Blackwattle Bay, demonstrate how thoughtful wind engineering and rigorous wind tunnel testing can directly shape public comfort.
With the new market now open for three months and projected to attract 10 million visitors annually, the precinct is already alive with energy. The movement of people through the main steps, waterfront dining areas, and open circulation zones highlights the importance of performance-based wind engineering in creating spaces that are both vibrant and comfortable throughout the year.
Wind Engineering for the Sydney Fish Market: from Concept to Completion
From the earliest concept stages, the New Sydney Fish Market required detailed wind engineering analysis for the wind loading on the cladding and structure as well as to ensure that the ambitious architectural vision could be realised without compromising the pedestrian comfort, operational performance and transparency both inward and outward.
Through advanced wind tunnel testing in our boundary-layer wind tunnel facility, Windtech assessed:
- Pedestrian-level wind comfort across outdoor terraces, steps and waterfront zones
- Wind conditions within transitional spaces and entries
- Critical loading patterns/ load cases for the roof and façade structures
- Wind loads on the roof structure during the various construction phases.
The modelling and iterative refinement process allowed the design team to fine-tune each of the elements of the built form, the balustrades, wind screens and landscaping to achieve suitable comfort criteria while maintaining the openness and transparency that define the project.
Seeing the completed development in operation, with bustling public spaces and comfortable outdoor seating areas, is a testament to the value of early, integrated wind tunnel testing for a wind exposed major waterfront projects such as this.
A Landmark Waterfront Precinct
The ambience of the new market is striking, with such a grand high clearance space inside, with the roof continuing in the form of a very large elevated cantilevered structure supported by deep laminated timber beams. The transparency of its operations, the visual connection to the harbour and the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas create an experience that feels both contemporary and distinctly Sydney.
Our recent site visit was made possible thanks to Infrastructure NSW, whose team generously showed us through the precinct and provided insight into the project’s delivery and ongoing operation. It was fascinating to observe how the architectural intent and engineering performance have come together in the built outcome.
Project Team
Delivering a project of this scale required collaboration across a highly experienced consultant and construction team:
Architects: Bligh Voller Neild and 3XN/GXN
Landscape Architect: Aspect Studios
Construction: Multiplex
Engineering & Advisory: Mott MacDonald
Structural Engineering: WSP, Northrop and TTW
Project Management & Advisory: Infrastructure NSW
Independent Certifier: WT Partnership
Windtech is proud to have contributed specialist wind engineering and wind tunnel testing expertise to this landmark development. The New Sydney Fish Market demonstrates how integrated environmental analysis can enhance design quality, protect user comfort and support the long-term success of major public infrastructure.
Eight years on, it is deeply satisfying to see the precinct thriving and to feel, quite literally, the carefully engineered wind environment at work.
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