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London's Historic Markets Find New Home on Albert Island
3 Dec
Summary
- Albert Island chosen for relocation of ancient Smithfield and Billingsgate markets.
- Move aims to generate £750m expenditure and create 2,200 jobs.
- Markets to operate as 'New Smithfield' and 'New Billingsgate' with new food school.
The City of London Corporation has unveiled plans to relocate London's ancient Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market to Albert Island, a former industrial site in the Docklands.
The proposed move to the 10-hectare site near London City airport is projected to generate £750m in local expenditure and bring 2,200 jobs to the borough of Newham. This initiative follows the corporation's earlier decision to permanently close the markets, a move that faced significant public backlash.
Under the new proposals, the markets will be rebranded as 'New Smithfield' and 'New Billingsgate'. The development includes plans for a new food school on-site and aims to usher in a new era for these historic trading hubs, with traders expected to continue at their current locations until at least 2028.
