Where is Smithfield market moving to?

Smithfield Market is planning to move to a new, purpose-built site at Albert Island in the Royal Docks, East London, with the move anticipated around 2028. The City of London Corporation selected this location to consolidate the historic meat market, which aims to provide modern facilities and better transport access.

Where will Smithfield Market go?

New site near Thames planned for historic markets

Under the proposal, both markets would operate from a new site at Albert Island, just east of London City Airport, on land earmarked for wider regeneration. It is estimated that the move could generate about £750m in local expenditure and more than 2,200 jobs.

What is happening at Smithfield Market?

The City of London Corporation has been looking at relocating the Smithfield and Billingsgate markets for some years. Smithfield Market is set to become a new cultural and commercial centre, with the new Museum of London already under construction in the old General and Poultry market buildings.

Where did Spitalfields market move to?

The City of London Corporation has decided to combine the location of all three of its wholesale markets. This includes Billingsgate, New Spitalfields, and Smithfield Market. They will be moved to a site at Dagenham Dock.

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“Limited trading hours, inefficient logistics, and outdated infrastructure mean the demands of a modern wholesale food market serving a global city are no longer being met.

What Drew Crowds to London’s Smithfield Market for Cut-Price Christmas Meat

Is the Billingsgate Market moving to Dagenham?

The City of London announces that the markets will still close, but they will NOT now relocate to Dagenham. This seems to spell the end for Smithfield Market and Billingsgate Market as coherent entities.

What will happen to Smithfield?

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.

Which is the oldest store in London?

Lock & Co. The oldest hat shop in the world (and reputedly the oldest shop in London), Lock & Co. is still run by the family who founded the company way back in 1676.

What is the difference between Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market?

Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market are essentially the same vibrant destination in London's East End, though sometimes considered slightly different sections – Old Spitalfields Market refers to the historic Victorian covered market hall (focusing on antiques, vintage, crafts on certain days), while "Spitalfields Market" often encompasses the broader area including modern shops, food stalls, and pop-ups around the original structure, with both offering diverse shopping, dining, and events, especially busy on weekends. 

Is the Spitalfield market moving?

City submits outline plans for Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields market relocations. Plans to move three of London's most famous wholesale food markets to the outer east of the capital have been formally presented to Barking & Dagenham Council.

Can anyone buy from 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 is the most famous food market in London?

Borough Market: The Most Famous for a Reason

One of London's culinary cornerstones, Borough Market has withstood the test of time, having existed in the heart of Southwark for centuries in some form or another.

Why has Lincoln Christmas Market been cancelled?

Lincoln Christmas Market was axed in 2023 by the city's Labour-led council due to concerns about overcrowding. The Conservative opposition proposed a £190,000 increase to City of Council's budget to fund the market's return.

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 Kirkgate Market closing down?

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. 

Is Bow being gentrified?

Although famed for cockney rhyming slang and Pearly Kings and Queens, Bow is undergoing a period of gentrification with stylish hangouts, restaurants and parkland sitting neatly alongside tree lined streets of beautifully kept Georgian terraces and the Roman Road which as well as being home to Unico's office also ...

What happened to Smithfield Market in London?

The announcement by the City of London Corporation in November that Smithfield market is to close after almost 900 years of trading has been met with surprise and dismay. Many Londoners fear Smithfield's special sense of place will be lost for good as a result.

What is the oldest food market in London?

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.

What is the most beautiful bookstore in London?

Daunt Books Marylebone

It's original, Edwardian bookshop in Marylebone, has a stunning oak gallery and stained glass windows, making it one of the most beautiful book shops in London.

Is Liberty of London closing down?

Retail group Liberty will close all its UK regional stores from June 6 at an estimated cost of £5m. Only its Regent Street store in London, airport shops and three Muji outlets will remain open.

Why are they closing the billingsgate market?

Billingsgate Market (and Smithfield) is closing because its current site is outdated, inefficient, and causes congestion, with plans for relocation to the Royal Docks in East London scrapped due to soaring costs, leading the City of London Corporation to halt support and plan permanent closure, though a new site may yet emerge, with current operations continuing until at least 2028.
 

Why is Smithfield Market only open at night?

Smithfield was almost a city within a city – and one with its own hours. To give customers time to buy and prepare their meat for sale the same day, the market opened at night.

Is the Smithfield Market still going?

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. The Corporation said it would now work with traders to help them find alternative premises.