[New Taipei City News]New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih visited the newly opened Sydney Fish Market, the largest seafood market in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest in the world. He noted that clean, bright environments enhance consumer confidence, while architectural designs that integrate natural landscapes and local cultural elements help attract more visitors. These are key considerations guiding New Taipei City’s ongoing market transformation initiatives.
The Australian government invested over AUD 800 million to redevelop the Sydney Fish Market, which officially opened in January this year. The building features extensive glass façades that create dynamic light and shadow effects. Its roof design, inspired by fish scales and ripples, is both visually distinctive and environmentally sustainable, incorporating solar panels and rainwater filtration systems. Inside, the complex integrates auction halls, wholesale and retail spaces, and offices, along with both indoor and outdoor dining areas, with nearly all vendors accepting electronic payments.
Hou stated that international examples of market redevelopment and management models can serve as valuable references. During his tenure, the New Taipei City Government has actively promoted the modernization of traditional markets. Since launching its market renovation and redevelopment program in 2019, the city has invested nearly NT$7 billion, completing upgrades to 15 markets while simultaneously initiating the construction or redevelopment of 10 additional markets. The results are now gradually taking shape.
Hou cited the redevelopment of the Guihou Fishing Harbor Fish Market as an example. To boost the local fishing port and surrounding economic activity, the city demolished the former temporary market built with shipping containers and reconstructed it on the same site. The new market’s exterior design draws inspiration from the locally renowned Wanli crab, creating a new photo landmark while offering a more comfortable shopping environment. Compared with the original fish market, stall space has increased by approximately 1.5 times. The dining area features a high-ceiling, ocean-facing design, along with an outdoor viewing platform that allows visitors to enjoy scenic harbor views while shopping and dining. Since its opening on April 27, 2025, the market has attracted over 2.2 million visitors.
The New Taipei City Government added that in 2026, renovation projects for the Sanchong Guangming Market, Banqiao Houpu Market, and the Xinzhuang First Public Retail Market are scheduled for completion. Redevelopment of the Xinzhuang Xinghua Market and Xizhi Zhongzheng Market is targeted for completion by the end of the year. By advancing both spatial optimization and functional upgrades, the city aims to comprehensively enhance the shopping environment and service quality, injecting new vitality into local markets.
The city government emphasized that it will continue to drive market transformation under the principles of cleanliness, brightness, branding, and modernization. By 2030, it aims to complete the renovation or redevelopment of a total of 30 markets, positioning New Taipei’s markets as key spaces for urban branding, cultural continuity, and urban regeneration.
