What is the future of the Smithfield Billingsgate market?

Smithfield (meat) and Billingsgate (fish) markets are set to relocate from their current sites to a new, consolidated facility at Albert Island in the Royal Docks by 2028, following the collapse of a previous move to Dagenham. The move, subject to Parliamentary approval, aims to modernise facilities, reduce congestion, and create a sustainable, joint hub for traders.

What is going to 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.

What are they going to do with Smithfield Market?

After almost eight centuries at the heart of life in the capital and a period where their future lay in doubt, the historic Smithfield and Billingsgate markets are to get a new home on a former industrial site in east London.

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.

What's happening to Smithfield?

The markets will continue at Smithfield and Billingsgate until at least 2028, giving time for Traders to plan and smoothly transition to new sites, subject to the Bill being passed. The markets will be known as New Billingsgate and New Smithfield respectively once they relocate.

Historic London Markets To Close: Smithfield & Billingsgate Could Shut After Centuries Of Trading

Why are Smithfield and Billingsgate markets closing?

“Limited trading hours, inefficient logistics, and outdated infrastructure mean the demands of a modern wholesale food market serving a global city are no longer being met.

Did Smithfield get bought out?

Smithfield Foods, Inc. Joseph W. Luter, Sr. Joseph W. Luter, Jr. Then known as Shuanghui Group, WH Group purchased Smithfield Foods in 2013 for $4.72 billion.

Are Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market set to close in 2028?

The oldest meat and fish markets in London, which date back 850 years, are facing permanent closure from 2028. Smithfield meat market, near St Paul's Cathedral, and Billingsgate fish market in Canary Wharf are to be closed after the City of London Corporation voted to withdraw support for them.

Where are Londoners moving to in 2025?

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.

Is fish cheaper at Billingsgate?

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.

Can the public buy at Smithfield Market?

Yes, absolutely! Anyone can shop at London's historic Smithfield Market (and Manchester's New Smithfield Market), not just trade buyers like restaurants and butchers, but the general public can buy meat, poultry, fish, and produce, often at better prices, though you'll usually need to buy in bulk and be prepared for an early start. 

What are the London property hotspots for 2025?

Looking ahead to 2025, London's property market offers great opportunities for refurbishment. The top five hotspots—Woolwich, Tottenham, Peckham, Croydon, and Barking and Dagenham—are diverse options for investors.

Where will the new Billingsgate be?

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.

Who owns the Billingsgate Market?

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.

What is the happiest place to live in the UK 2025?

Skipton named the happiest Town in Great Britain for 2025

Having previously come in second in 2020 and sixth in last year's Happy at Home Index, Skipton has topped the list ahead of more than 200 locations that were involved in this year's study.

Is Billingsgate and Smithfield closing?

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.

Why is Smithfield closing?

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.

How much does the CEO of Smithfield Foods make?

SEC filings show Smithfield Foods CEO made $14.9 million in 2024.

Is Smithfield going public?

Smithfield Foods goes public via IPO, again. Smithfield Foods (SFD) has returned to public trading on the Nasdaq (^IXIC) stock exchange, with shares debuting at $21 per share on Wednesday.

How much is Joe Luter's net worth?

Joseph W. Luter III of Smithfield and Washington, $75 million.

Why is Smithfield Ham closing?

A Smithfield Foods spokeswoman said that the smokehouse had reached the end of its useful life and that the company has plenty of genuine Smithfield hams stockpiled to satisfy immediate demand.