New Covent Garden Market Unveils “The Garden Wall” to Celebrate 50 Years at Nine Elms

New Covent Garden Market has launched The Garden Wall, a commemorative installation honouring its 50 years at Nine Elms and celebrating the people and community that have shaped its story.

Image courtesy of New Covent Garden Market

Placed within the newly redeveloped Buyers’ Walk, The Garden Wall features personalised plaques purchased by traders, suppliers, friends and supporters—each plate a nod to the lasting bonds formed over half a century.

Early-Morning Celebrations

On Friday 6 June, market traders finishing their night shifts gathered for two unveiling ceremonies at 6am and 11am, featuring speeches from key figures: Gary Marshall, Chairman of the Covent Garden Tenants’ Association (CGTA); Wanda Goldwag OBE, Chair of the Covent Garden Market Authority; Jo Breare, General Manager of CGMA; and local MP Marsha De Cordova.

Gary Marshall said: “The Garden Wall is a big part of the efforts to mark the 50th anniversary of the market’s move to Nine Elms… This wall is part celebration, part commemoration. It has been created to give people and companies a permanent place to honour commitment, dedication, passion and love for Covent Garden fruit, veg and flower markets… Thank you to everyone who has bought a plaque for the wall – you have between you not just created a legacy for the names on that plaque, but donated £10,000 to the 50th anniversary fund of more than £100,000 that the CGTA has now raised for our select charities – Anthony Nolan, Trinity Hospice and Parkinson’s UK.”

Wanda Goldwag added: “I’ve been in position as Chair of Covent Garden Market Authority for around 14 months and one of the things that became apparent almost immediately… was how important the unique community of people within the market is to its success… It’s the future that really interests me… There are also many names up there who will be responsible for the next phase… We have more than 150 traders operating here… but it is as a collective that New Covent Garden Market thrives.

“It’s wonderful to be at New Covent Garden Market to unveil the Garden Wall, commemorating the Market’s 50th anniversary of moving to Nine Elms in the heart of my Battersea constituency… New Covent Garden Market is a perfect example of how to be a good neighbour to everyone in our community," continued Goldwag.

A Legacy in the Making

The Garden Wall has already raised nearly £10,000—added to over £100,000 donated by the CGTA for the charities Anthony Nolan, Trinity Hospice, and Parkinson’s UK.

And there’s still space for more plaques, enabling further tributes to beloved colleagues, partners, and friends.

Since relocating from Covent Garden to Nine Elms in November 1974, the market has grown into the UK’s largest wholesale hub for fruit, vegetables, and flowers—home to around 175 traders covering 37 acres, and turning over more than £900 million annually.

A major redevelopment, due to complete in 2027, promises to reinforce the market’s vital role in London’s food and floral supply chains

Freshtalk Daily Bottom Line:

The unveiling of The Garden Wall is much more than a visual spectacle—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the roots, relationships, and resilience that have made New Covent Garden Market central to London’s fresh produce story. As it continues to evolve, this poignant tribute ensures that the legacy—and the love—live on.