If they are to survive London’s famous markets – Billingsgate (fish), Smithfield (meat and poultry) and New Spitalfields (fruit, vegetables and flowers) – need to find a new 100 acre site where they can be consolidated into one area, according to the City of London Corporation.
In the Report David Smith, Director of Markets and Consumer Protection, City of London Corporation, writes:
‘London’s wholesale markets are looking to the future. After four decades on its current site in vauxhall, New Covent Garden is currently undergoing a major modernisation and redevelopment, Western International relocated to new premises within Hounslow a decade ago, and the City of London is currently reviewing whether the locations of its three wholesale markets (Billingsgate at Canary Wharf, New Spitalfields at Leyton, and Smithfield in the City on the site where a market has been held for over 800 years) meet the requirements of their customers.’
The Future Cities Forum writes:
… As London evolves as a expanding capital for commerce, culture and tourism, so the pressure builds on markets to find new homes. Speaking to Future Cities Forum, the Corporation said the most important element is the continued success of the markets and for the traders who use them in terms of access and deliveries. This new combined market would be within the M25.
Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to undertake the search for a site which will also see the creation of an apprenticeship school for fishmongers and butchers,
The City Corporation has launched a major transformation programme to undertake the necessary feasibility studies, options appraisals and development of a business case.
External consultations will start shortly with programme proposals being explored with traders and their customers, the GLA and the London boroughs where the existing sites are located, where other sites might be suitable and other boroughs with relevant interests.
Additionally, other interested parties such as Historic England, The Victorian Society and the Billingsgate Consultative Committee will also be included in discussions.
Parliamentary legislation will be required to agree any relocation and a Private Bill will be submitted to Parliament in due course.
