Blackwattle Bay

The site

• Blackwattle Bay is located in the south of Bays Precinct and covers an area of around 7 hectares.
• The site includes a number of working harbour uses along Bank Street, Sydney Fish Market, as well as further working harbour uses on the southern edge bordering Pyrmont Bridge Road.
• The majority of land within Blackwattle Bay is owned by NSW Maritime.

Its history

• Lands surrounding Blackwattle Bay were historically used for industries including abattoirs.
• Extensive land reclamation occurred in 1876, resulting in the creation of Wentworth Park, which was used for timber sheds and wool stores during the First World War.
• Following the Second World War, there was a decline in industrial uses within Blackwattle Bay as they were relocated to larger sites in western Sydney.

Long term uses

• Working harbour uses are expected to continue within Blackwattle Bay in the long term.
• The majority of land within Blackwattle Bay is being developed in accordance with the Rozelle and Blackwattle Bay Maritime Precincts Master Plan 2002.
• Existing uses include two concrete batching plants at the bay’s southern end and along Bank Street.
• Sydney Fish Market’s use of the bay’s south eastern corner is expected to continue in the long term.
• NSW Maritime has called for proposals for the development of the former coal bunker and adjacent sites along the southern edge of the bay. It is expected that these sites will be developed for commercial maritime uses.
• NSW Maritime is currently developing proposals for recreational boating facilities and marine-related community activities along the eastern side of Blackwattle Bay. If approved, these proposals will also improve public foreshore access.