Yes, Billingsgate Market is set to close its current Poplar site by 2028 as part of a City of London Corporation plan. The historic market will not move to Dagenham as previously planned, but is instead expected to relocate to a new site at the Royal Docks in Newham, maintaining operations until at least 2028.
Jason Holland. Billingsgate fish market – which is the oldest fish market in the U.K. capital of London and what was once the world's largest fish market – is set to close in 2028 after the City of London Corporation recently decided to withdraw its support.
April 2019: The City of London Corporation announces plans to move Smithfield, New Billingsgate and New Spitalfields markets to one mega-site in Dagenham. November 2024: Dagenham is off!
Is Smithfield and Billingsgate historic London markets to close after 800 years?
London's Smithfield meat market is set to close after more than 800 years, with trading expected to cease for good after 2028. The City of London Corporation, which runs the site, said on Tuesday its council voted to stop operating Smithfield and Billingsgate fish market.
London's historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are set to shut after the City of London Corporation voted to withdraw support for them, bringing down the curtain on two establishments that have been part of London life for the best part of a millennium.
Historic London Markets To Close: Smithfield & Billingsgate Could Shut After Centuries Of Trading
What will replace the Billingsgate Market?
On December 3, 2025, Albert Island at the Royal Docks was announced as the new preferred site to co-locate Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets. These markets will become known as New Smithfield and New Billingsgate Markets.
At its core, the 3-5-7 rule sets three clear boundaries: 3%: The maximum amount of your trading capital you should risk on any single trade. 5%: The total amount of capital you should have exposed across all open trades at any given time. 7%: The minimum profit you should aim to make on your winning trades.
Are Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to close due to decreasing demand for meat and fish?
The corporation announced the permanent closure of London's historic Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market in late 2024, when it pulled the plug on a planned £1bn relocation to a new sitein the east of the capital at Dagenham.
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century.
Will London house prices rise in the next 5 years?
Whereas the average UK property is expected to see a 22 per cent rise in value by 2030, homes in London will see a more modest boost of just 13.6 per cent. With a typical London property currently valued at £683,707, this is equivalent to a £93,191 price rise over five years.
In 2025, 68% of London leavers stayed in the South of England (South East, South West or East of England) – the highest proportion since 2021 and up from 62% in 2024. This marks a reversal of the pandemic and then affordability-led trend that pushed buyers further into the Midlands and North.
Yes, Bradford's historic Kirkgate Market (and the adjacent Oastler Market) closed permanently on June 28, 2025, to be replaced by the new, modern Darley Street Market, with demolition of the old market planned for new housing as part of a city regeneration project. Traders have moved to the new facility, and while many are sad to see the old market go, they are optimistic about the future in the new space.
For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
What is the petition for Billingsgate Market closure?
The petition was created by former London resident Peter Acton to oppose plans to close Billingsgate and Smithfield markets by 2028 after relocation plans were rejected. He argued that these historic sites are vital to London's food supply and cultural heritage, and that relocating will not suffice.
A London restaurant owned by musician Ed Sheeran has been described as "outstanding" and "lovely". Bertie Blossoms on Portobello Road is described as an "intimate restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill."
Billingsgate Market is closing because its current site is outdated, inefficient for modern logistics, and contributes to congestion, with the City of London Corporation cancelling a planned £1bn relocation to Dagenham due to rising costs, but plans are now in place to move both Billingsgate and Smithfield to a new site in the Royal Docks by 2028, allowing for modernization while redeveloping the old sites for housing and culture.
