The controversial demolition of the award winning Sydney Exhibition Centre by Cox Richardson Architects in Darling Harbour may be rescued under a proposed plan to rebuild it at the Sydney Fish Market.

The City of Sydney and Infrastructure NSW said that the proposal is possible with Lord Mayor Clover Moore telling Fairfax that the re-build would cut down on waste with only the walls and roof not able to be re-used.

The news will likely be welcomed by original designer of the Exhibition Centre, Philip Cox who strongly opposes the demolition.

Sydney Fish Markets general manager Bryan Skepper also told Fairfax that he did not rule out the exhibition centre proposal, but said "we can't sit on our hands and wait for things to happen".

The news of the possible rebuild comes after the announcement that the Fish Market will redevelop the boardwalk in a $3.8 million upgrade.

MBMO Architects have prepared a Development Application for the Fish Market and have revealed drawings.
Works will involve construction of a new twelve metre wide boardwalk which will extend the boardwalk by one metre, increase seating capacity and create overhead cover to enable all-weather trading.

Sven Ollmann, Director at MBMO said:

“The restoration of the Boardwalk at the Sydney Fish Market will unlock the real potential of this outstanding waterside location. We’ve designed a contemporary tensile canopy over a new boardwalk which will increase the amenity of the outdoor space in all weather conditions”.

The upgrade increases seating capacity as well as extending the use of the facility in different weather conditions, whilst "maintaining the language and lightness of a maritime context".

The architects have considered improvements for accessibility and management of the site.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to be working on one of Sydney’s premier tourist attractions and particularly to work with a client so amenable to the suggestions we make,” said Ollmann.

Madeline Prince

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