Waterfront Innovation with Geosynthetics at Sydney Fish Market

The Project

Located on the waterfront at Blackwattle Bay, the newly rebuilt Sydney Fish Market was one of Sydney’s most anticipated civil and marine construction projects.

The three-storey facility incorporates a complex, watertight underground carpark engineered to withstand high water pressure. The development also features a new waterfront promenade and ferry wharf, requiring coordinated works across roads, buildings and marine infrastructure.

Global Synthetics is proud to have supplied a range of geosynthetics products integral to the construction and structural performance of this Sydney landmark.

The Challenge

Waterfront Revitalisation & Marine Works

The project required redevelopment of the Bays precinct to deliver a continuous public promenade linking to the harbour foreshore walk, together with a new ferry wharf. The project’s design also had to consider rising sea levels, upstream overland flow paths, and flood protection.

Complex Engineering Requirements

Works involved over-water construction to create a three-storey structure with below-ground parking to replace the old facilities. Due to the new facility being built on the same plane as the former Fish Market, contaminated ground remediation works also had to be undertaken.

The Solution

• ProFab® Hi Vis Marker Layer - The ProFab® range provides filtration, drainage and separation performance for hydraulic applications. Incorporating these same properties, the ProFab® Hi Vis Marker Layer also offers the additional benefit of high visibility, to alert contractors during current and future excavations of the potential of contaminated soils or hazards buried beneath the site.

• ProGrid® PP Geocomposite - For stabilisation and reinforcement over low-bearing soils and subgrades, ProGrid® PP Geocomposite was installed onsite. This high modulus geocomposite provides stiff reinforcement to improve base bearing capacity, supporting long-term pavement performance. As a major transport and logistics hub, this was critical to future-proof the Sydney Fish Market against ongoing and increased load demands.

• ProPipe Ag Pipe - ProPipe Corrugated Ag Pipe is an essential component for groundwater management applications, offering a strong, durable and long-term cost-effective sub-soil drainage. As a lightweight, flexible pipe system, ag pipe allows for drainage onsite to ensure efficient point source water management.

• Geofirma® Nonwoven Geotextiles - On-site installation of Geofirma® delivered separation and filtration performance, contributing to soil reinforcement and effective drainage management. Made from 100% virgin polyester polymer filaments that are highly durable and resistant to all naturally occurring soil acids and alkalis, the polyester material offers resistance to any potential bacteria or fungi that could be found in the shoreline area.

By using high quality geosynthetic solutions supplied by Global Synthetics, the Sydney Fish Market redevelopment incorporated materials to enhance site durability and long-term performance. Get in touch with our team today for more information or to request a quote for your next project.