London’s Historic Wholesale Markets Face Closure After Dagenham Relocation Plans Abandoned

Plans to relocate three of London’s historic wholesale markets—Smithfield, Billingsgate, and New Spitalfields—to a consolidated site at Dagenham Dock have been scrapped due to escalating costs.

This leaves the future of the capital’s fresh produce supply in question.

A Vision Undone by Inflation

The City of London Corporation had proposed a £1 billion project to move the centuries-old Smithfield meat market, Billingsgate fish market, and New Spitalfields fruit and vegetable market to a purpose-built complex in Dagenham.

The plan aimed to modernise facilities and streamline operations. However, by late 2024, the Corporation announced the abandonment of the relocation, citing inflation and rising construction costs as making the project financially unsustainable .

Closure of Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets

With the relocation plans cancelled, the Corporation decided to close Smithfield and Billingsgate markets by 2028. This decision effectively ends over 900 years of continuous meat trading at Smithfield and centuries of fish commerce at Billingsgate .

Traders at both markets have been offered financial compensation and assistance in finding new locations, but no concrete plans for replacement facilities have been announced.

New Spitalfields Market Remains Operational

Unlike Smithfield and Billingsgate, New Spitalfields Market, specialising in fresh fruit and vegetables, will continue operations at its current site in Leyton. The market, established in 1991 after relocating from its original Spitalfields location, is Europe's leading horticultural market and the largest revenue-earning wholesale market in the UK .

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Impact on Fresh Produce Supply Chain

The closure of Smithfield and Billingsgate markets raises concerns about the future of London's fresh produce supply chain. Independent retailers and restaurants that rely on these markets for diverse, high-quality meat and fish products may face challenges in sourcing supplies.

While New Spitalfields Market continues to operate, the loss of the other two markets could disrupt the balance and accessibility of fresh produce in the capital.

Traders and Community Response

The decision has been met with opposition from traders and community members. Fishmongers from Ridley Road Market in Hackney, who depend on Billingsgate for their stock, have expressed fears of business collapse.

Alicia Weston, founder of the charity Bags of Taste, highlighted the broader implications: "We trusted them and believed it was going to open in Dagenham, but they broke that trust" .

Looking Ahead

As the City of London Corporation moves forward with plans to close Smithfield and Billingsgate markets, the focus shifts to ensuring a sustainable future for London's fresh produce supply.

The continued operation of New Spitalfields Market provides some stability, but the need for comprehensive solutions to support traders and maintain access to diverse, high-quality produce remains critical.