Plans for London markets to move down-river

The City of London Corporation has plans for Billingsgate, New Spitalfields and Smithfield markets to move to the former Barking Reach Power Station at Dagenham Dock – creating a 21st Century, wholesale food location for the borough, London and the UK.

The City Corporation said it has a commitment to ensure the wholesale markets flourish and grow. Co-locating the three wholesale markets onto this new site will protect the future of the markets, while significantly improving operational, environmental and sustainability standards.

After a wide-ranging search and an extensive assessment of several other sites, Dagenham Dock was identified as the clear preference and most suitable for the markets. With 42 acres of industrial land, connections to the rail network and the River Thames, the site is said to have a number of clear advantages.

Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said: “Our number one priority is to provide a top-quality market environment serving London and the South East – not just fit for today’s needs but also for tomorrow’s. The move to Dagenham Dock will enable our wholesale markets to flourish, providing modern facilities and space for our tenants to grow so they can continue to support London’s food economy.”

Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, said: “The proposed new home for London’s markets promises to bring a huge economic boost to the borough, and our priority will be to make sure that local people have the skills and training to take advantage of the employment opportunities that will arise.

“So, it’s especially important that our residents and local businesses share their knowledge of the area and respond to the consultation to ensure that we can ensure the markets operate smoothly, and flourish and grow in their new location.”

Photo credit: Christine Matthews / Spitalfields Market, Commercial Street, London / CC BY-SA 2.0