Smithfield Meat Market to Close Permanently After 850 Years
London’s historic Smithfield meat market, the oldest in the capital, is set to shut down permanently by 2028 after its operators voted against relocation plans.
The market, which has been in operation for 850 years, was initially slated to move to a £1bn development in Dagenham, along with Billingsgate fish market in Canary Wharf, which will also close.
The City of London Corporation, which owns and operates both markets, decided to reject the relocation plan due to a surge in construction costs and wider inflation. The corporation has committed to working with market traders to help them find alternative premises and has offered compensation to the traders.
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, stated that the move “represents a positive new chapter” for the markets. He emphasized that by stepping back from direct market operations, the corporation aims to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently.
Traders, however, expressed concerns, telling the BBC that “it’s all about the money now.”
For more details, you can read the full story at Farming UK
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