The Billingsgate Fish Market, which is the U.K.’s largest inland seafood market, could relocate to London’s Royal Docks after the City of London Corporation and Greater London Authority (GLA) confirmed Albert Island in the borough of Newham as the preferred new site for both Billingsgate and the nearly 900-year-old Smithfield meat market.
The announcement marks a major milestone in efforts to secure a modern, expanded home for Billingsgate within London, following last year’s decision that put a halt to talks of moving Billingsgate to Dagenham on the outskirts of the city.
The City of London Corporation has advised that the Albert Island move remains subject to the successful passage of a parliamentary bill that would formally close the current sites, as well as permission from Newham. Until then, Billingsgate will continue to operate in its current location of Poplar until at least 2028, when operations will cease.
The proposed location at Albert Island already has planning consent for around 750,000 square feet of development. GLA estimates the project could deliver GBP 750 million (USD 996.5 million, EUR 854.4 million) in local expenditure, 2,200 jobs, and GBP 130 million (USD 172.7 million, EUR 148.1 million) in gross value added to Newham, with wider economic benefits reaching across the U.K. seafood supply chain.
For the seafood sector, the relocation offers room to expand wholesale operations, according to the GLA, which are currently constrained by the Poplar site.
The proposed modern facility at Albert Island, designed with careful consideration for current cold-chain, logistics, and food safety requirements, would also have the ability to create stronger connections between London’s primary seafood market and national ports, processors, and suppliers, according to the GLA. Additionally, there would be continued support for the next generation of fishmongers through a new on-site food school and the continuation of Billingsgate Seafood Training School programs.
London Fish Markets’ Association Chairman Tony Lyons said traders were “greatly encouraged” by the progress.
“Finding a site just a few miles away means we’ll still serve our customers while vastly improving both our working environment and our ability to expand. Identifying a new location means we can put people’s minds at rest; we are doing exactly what we said we’d do: secure a home inside [the city] and create a vibrant future for these historic markets,” he said.
The City of London Corporation confirmed the majority of traders across both markets have agreed to move to the joint site, while those not relocating will transfer their business to other traders, ensuring 100 percent of trade continues.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said the agreement marks “undeniable progress” for the markets and for London’s economic growth.
“By ushering in a new era for these historic markets, we’re creating a win-win for traders and Londoners,” he said.
London Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth Howard Dawber added that the Royal Docks is “one of London’s most exciting regeneration zones,” while Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said hosting Billingsgate would be “a great honor” and a major driver of inclusive local growth.
Should the markets move to Albert Island, they would be known under the names New Billingsgate and New Smithfield.
