The Fight to Save London Markets

Mayor must fight to save Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets

The London Assembly has called for the Mayor of London to fight the planned closure of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets.

In a letter published today by the Planning and Regeneration Committee, the Mayor was warned that businesses who use the Markets, and the associated social, cultural and economic benefits they bring to the capital, could be permanently lost.

Throughout its ongoing investigation into social value in London’s markets and arches, the Committee has heard repeatedly that social and community value are too often not taken into account in planning decisions.

The Committee recommends:

• The Mayor of London should urgently seek a meeting with the Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, and use it to call for the Corporation to reconsider and reverse this decision.

• If the decision is not reversed, the Mayor should work with partners across London and urgently seek suitable alternative locations for these two iconic London markets. 

Chair of the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee, Andrew Boff AM, said:

“Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are London’s oldest markets and are of huge importance not just to the businesses who rely on them, but to London’s rich culture and heritage.

 “The Committee has heard from businesses, industry bodies, and other experts how complex markets are – and how important it is to minimise moving businesses if you do not want to lose them for good.

 “Traders now face an uncertain future, with the closure of the markets compounded by the cancellation of the proposed new site at Dagenham. It is vital that the Mayor plays his part to rescue these markets and protect the value their businesses bring to London.”