Petition calling for Smithfield Market to be saved from closure draws thousands of signatures

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A petition calling for Smithfield Market to be saved from closure has drawn more than 12,500 signatures.

The petition urges the City of London Corporation to reverse its decision to close the historic landmark, describing it as ‘an irreplaceable part of the city’s cultural and economic fabric’.

The Corporation voted last week to cancel the planned relocation of Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to Dagenham and to instead pay traders to leave both sites. The stated reason was due to the ballooning cost of the proposed move and the expenditure required to maintain the markets in their current locations.

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A Private Bill was deposited with Parliament on Wednesday to go before either the House of Commons or House of Lords in January. The Corporation requires Parliament’s backing to be officially absolved of its role running the markets.

Smithfield Market will close for good but 12,500 have signed a petition to save itSmithfield Market will close for good but 12,500 have signed a petition to save it
Smithfield Market will close for good but 12,500 have signed a petition to save it | Getty Images
The petition hosted on Change.org details how Smithfield has been a ‘vibrant hub of trade and commerce’ for more than 800 yearsThe petition hosted on Change.org details how Smithfield has been a ‘vibrant hub of trade and commerce’ for more than 800 years
The petition hosted on Change.org details how Smithfield has been a ‘vibrant hub of trade and commerce’ for more than 800 years | Getty Images

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the sum to be paid to traders exceeds £300 million, who can continue operating at the markets until at least 2028.

The petition hosted on Change.org details how Smithfield has been a ‘vibrant hub of trade and commerce’ for more than 800 years.

“Closing Smithfield Market risks erasing a vital chapter of London’s heritage and marginalising the livelihoods of countless businesses and individuals who depend on its operations,” it continues.

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“The market’s historical significance and architectural splendour have made it a cherished part of the city, drawing locals and visitors alike to its iconic halls.”

Instead, the petition calls on the City of London Corporation to engage with the community, traders and heritage organisations to explore other options to retain the markets in their current guise.

  The petition urges the City of London Corporation to reverse its decision to close the historic landmark, describing it as ‘an irreplaceable part of the city’s cultural and economic fabric’  The petition urges the City of London Corporation to reverse its decision to close the historic landmark, describing it as ‘an irreplaceable part of the city’s cultural and economic fabric’
The petition urges the City of London Corporation to reverse its decision to close the historic landmark, describing it as ‘an irreplaceable part of the city’s cultural and economic fabric’ | Getty Images

Peter Acton, who started the petition, said: “As one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the world, it is a unique symbol of resilience, community, and tradition. Closing Smithfield Market risks erasing a vital chapter of London’s heritage and marginalising the livelihoods of countless businesses and individuals who depend on its operations. The market’s historical significance and architectural splendour have made it a cherished part of the city, drawing locals and visitors alike to its iconic halls.”

Following the Corporation’s decision to close both markets, the Chair of Policy and Resources and de-facto political head of the Corporation, Deputy Chris Hayward, said the move ’empowers traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals’.

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He added: “By stepping back from direct market operations, we will help to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently. We’ve worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding. We’re committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.”

New Spitalfields Market in Leyton, which is also run by the Corporation and was due to relocate to Dagenham at a later date, is unaffected.

The entrance to Smithfield Market, with the market dating back 800 yearsThe entrance to Smithfield Market, with the market dating back 800 years
The entrance to Smithfield Market, with the market dating back 800 years | Google/LDRS

Smithfield is the UK’s largest wholesale meat market, and Billingsgate the biggest inland fish market. The move to Dagenham was touted as a major regeneration project, to deliver thousands of jobs to the borough and around £14.5 billion to the UK economy by 2049.

The plan is for Smithfield to be transformed to host a range of cultural offerings, such as the new London Museum, and for Billingsgate to be developed for homes. On the morning after the Corporation meeting the LDRS spoke to several Billingsgate traders with varying responses to the news.

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Tony Lyons, who runs A. A. Lyons and is the chairman of the London Fish Merchants Association, said he was ‘saddened’ that people would think London would no longer have a fish market.

He was however confident there is a future for Billingsgate outside of the City of London Corporation’s control.

“It’s not just about me,” he said. “This is an institution, and it has to keep going.”

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