Yes, Billingsgate Market is scheduled to close at its current Poplar site, with permanent closure expected by 2028. While originally planned for a move to Dagenham, the City of London Corporation halted that project due to costs, leading to plans for relocation to a new, smaller site in the Royal Docks.
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.
The City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority (GLA) have found a site on the Royal Docks where both markets can operate next to each other. They've earmarked the eastern end of the Docks, known as Albert Island, as the markets' potential new home after they leave their current sites in 2028.
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.
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.
Historic London Markets To Close: Smithfield & Billingsgate Could Shut After Centuries Of Trading
What will happen to the Billingsgate Market?
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! The City of London announces that the markets will still close, but they will NOT now relocate to Dagenham.
When the plan was made public, in April 2019, excitement was expressed about the City of London Corporation, owner of the Smithfield meat market in Farringdon, Billingsgate fish market in Poplar and the New Spitalfields horticultural produce hub in Leyton, consolidating all three in one place.
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.
Find out all about the legendary Walthamstow Market - the longest open air market in Europe! Walthamstow market started in 1885 and is now Europe's longest outdoor street market, spanning a kilometre of the High Street.
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.
Billingsgate and Smithfield markets are set to relocate to a new joint site on Albert Island in east London's Royal Docks, under plans unveiled by the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority.
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.
How much money do I need to make $100 a day trading?
How much capital do I need to make $100/day safely? With $10,000 or more, $100/day is realistic using low risk. Smaller accounts can still try but must keep risk management strict to avoid large losses.
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.
Yes, fish is generally cheaper at London's Billingsgate Market, especially if you're buying in bulk (by the kilo or box) and are willing to get up early to shop, offering wholesale prices that beat many high street retailers, though some find prices similar to supermarkets for smaller quantities, with the main benefit being freshness and variety.
The best days to buy fish are generally Thursday through Sunday, as these are the busiest days, meaning more turnover and wider variety, especially for specific types like Mahi-Mahi or whole fish, though Monday/Tuesday might be best for certain staples if deliveries are consistent, but always check with your fishmonger for local freshness. While the old rule was to avoid Mondays due to weekend delivery gaps, modern supply chains often make fresh fish available daily, so asking your fishmonger when it arrived is the best advice, regardless of the day.
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.
Billingsgate is served by almost every port in the United Kingdom. Most of the fish is transported by road directly from the coast and arrives at the market in the early hours of the morning.