Where will Smithfield move to?

Smithfield Market, along with Billingsgate Market, is set to move to Albert Island in the Royal Docks, East London, with the relocation anticipated before 2028. The City of London Corporation announced this 10-hectare site near City Airport as the preferred location to co-locate the historic markets, creating a modern, unified food destination.

Where is Smithfields market moving to?

The City of London Corporation, which currently operates the markets, has announced a new site in the Royal Docks where the two facilities could trade alongside one another. The location, at the extreme eastern end of the docks, is known as Albert Island, and has already been earmarked for regeneration.

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.

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.

Why is the Smithfield Market closing?

In a surprising turn of events, the world-famous meat and fish markets might not actually be closing down for good. Phew. The City of London Corporation voted to withdraw its support for the 850-year-old markets in November 2024, meaning they would have to shut forever by 2028.

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

Who bought out Smithfield?

Smithfield's Chinese Ownership, Explained

But in 2013, WH Group, formerly known as Shuanghui International Holding Limited, one of China's largest meat producers, purchased Smithfield outright for $4.7 billion.

What is the future of the Smithfield Market?

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.

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. 

Which Christmas market is best in London?

London's best Christmas markets offer diverse festive experiences, with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for scale and rides, the Southbank Centre Winter Market for riverside charm and artisan crafts, Covent Garden for iconic lights and shopping, Old Spitalfields Market for independent makers and gospel choirs, and Greenwich Market for traditional crafts, alongside food-focused markets like Borough Market.

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.

How much does the CEO of Smithfield Foods make?

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

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.

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.

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 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 is the trendiest area of London?

All of Hackney is cool, but in recent years I'd argue that Hackney Wick has really become the coolest kid on the block. It's street art-lined streets are packed with craft breweries, bars, nightclubs and artists' studios, and the area was even voted the 'coolest neighbourhood in London' back in 2023 – not too shabby.

What is the most Christmassy street in London?

While central London's Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer iconic, grand displays, the true "most Christmassy street" is often cited as Lower Morden Lane in South London, where residents go all-out decorating their homes for charity, creating a dazzling, local winter wonderland that draws huge crowds and raises significant funds for St Raphael's Hospice.
 

What is the most Christmassy area of London?

You don't have to wander far during Christmas in London to see some blindingly good Christmas lights and decorations. Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, and Regent Street all have a magnificent display of Christmas lights.

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 is the Smithfield Market closing down?

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.

What is goat meat called in the UK?

In the UK, goat meat is usually just called goat meat, though it can be called chevon (from adult goats) or kid (from young goats) for more specific culinary terms, but unlike in South Asia where "mutton" often means goat, in the UK mutton specifically refers to meat from older sheep.
 

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.

Where is the next up and coming area in London?

London's next up-and-coming areas are concentrated in regenerating zones with improved transport, particularly benefiting from the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), with hotspots including Woolwich, Tottenham Hale, Hayes, Acton, and Croydon, offering affordability, new developments, and increasing appeal to young professionals and families. These areas promise growth through large-scale regeneration, new housing, and better connections to central London, making them key for investment.