Proposed merger could strengthen Spitalfields, Smithfield and Billingsgate markets

Aug 18, 2018 Peter Rabbit Council News Comments Off on Proposed merger could strengthen Spitalfields, Smithfield and Billingsgate markets

Jan Hutchinson, chief executive of the Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association, says of the facility, ‘We have a purpose-built, 32-acre facility, but it’s now 26-27 years old and it needs modernising definitely.’

Produce business UK

by Gill McShane

Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association has reacted positively to The City of London Corporation’s announced proposal to merge and relocate New Spitalfields market together with two other historic London food markets – Billingsgate fish market and Smithfield meat market – with only location emerging as an initial concern.

The plan for the three wholesale markets, which has been agreed in principle, is designed to “secure their continued operational success,” according to The City of London Corporation, which governs the historic centre of London and ‘Europe’s most competitive business district,’ also known as the Square Mile.

Jan Hutchinson, chief executive of the Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association, told PBUK that the proposal to relocate the three markets to a 100-acre venue or smaller sites close to each other would be a good move.

“I think it’s the way forward with all the competition around the wholesale sector now from cash & carries and supermarkets threatening to encroach into serving small catering companies,” she explained.

“I think combining will give us more strength. It will make us a hub of food, which can only be a good thing.”

Hutchinson was quick to point out that these are the views of the tenants’ association, since the tenants themselves have yet to be surveyed officially.

“From the New Spitalfields Tenants Association point of view, obviously we are very positive,” she noted. “But, at this point, we’re not commenting necessarily on everyone’s views. We’re commenting on our own, and what we see as a future for the market.”