Community members and heritage advocates are calling for the preservation of a landmark mural at the former Sydney Fish Market, arguing the artwork should be saved before redevelopment of the Blackwattle Bay site begins. The campaign comes as plans progress to transform the former market precinct into a new residential neighbourhood that will include more than 1,500 homes.
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Created by artist Keith Howland in 1990, the ceramic mural has overlooked the fish market for more than three decades. Measuring about eight metres by four metres, the artwork is made up of more than 400 individually hand-painted and glazed ceramic tiles and celebrates New South Wales’ commercial fishing industry. Campaigners said it has become an important part of Sydney’s maritime heritage and should not be lost as the site enters its next chapter.
Petition Calls for Preservation
A public petition has been launched urging authorities to retain the mural, either by incorporating it into future development plans or by carefully removing, conserving and reinstalling it in a nearby public location.
Supporters argued the artwork is more than a decorative feature. They say it tells the story of the state’s fishing industry through depictions of fishing vessels, seafood workers, fishmongers, market activity and contributions from regional communities including Yamba and the Clarence Valley.
The petition described the mural as a significant piece of Sydney’s cultural and maritime history, warning that once a work of this kind is destroyed it cannot be replaced. Campaign organisers say preserving public art alongside new development helps maintain a community’s sense of identity while recognising its history.
The mural also has strong links to northern New South Wales. According to campaign material, it took Keith Howland almost a year to complete, with local businesses and community members in Yamba assisting in processing, glazing and firing the ceramic tiles. The artwork also features real people connected to the commercial fishing industry, including workers, brokers, customers and seafarers.
Keith Howland’s son, John Howland, has joined efforts to advocate for the mural’s preservation through the Howland Retrospective Project.
Redevelopment Moves Ahead
The former Sydney Fish Market site is owned by Infrastructure NSW and is expected to be transferred to Mirvac as part of the broader Blackwattle Bay renewal project.
NSW recently announced the precinct will deliver more than 1,500 homes after rezoning changes increased the planned housing supply by an additional 320 dwellings. The redevelopment will also include a requirement that 7.5 per cent of homes remain affordable housing in perpetuity.
The housing project forms part of the wider Blackwattle Bay renewal. Separately, the Sydney Fish Market is relocating to a new purpose-built facility nearby.
Infrastructure NSW Outlines Current Position
While the campaign has attracted support from heritage advocates and members of the community, Infrastructure NSW said there are currently no plans to retain the mural.
The agency has advised that it is working through the process outlined in the Copyright Act to identify and consult those who hold the legal moral rights associated with the artwork to determine whether they wish to retain it. Infrastructure NSW has also acknowledged that some members of the community regard the mural as an important local landmark.
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Campaign supporters argued the mural represents decades of history connected to Sydney’s working harbour and fishing industry, while the redevelopment will deliver more than 1,500 new homes at the site. Whether a solution that preserves the mural can be reached remains unclear. Campaigners continue to call for its conservation, while Infrastructure NSW has indicated there are currently no plans to retain it.
Published 16-July-2026
