In 1999 USM were invited by the City of London Corporation to make proposals for the re-use of the General Market Building in Smithfield. We put together a viable set of ideas for a low cost but effective approach, based on our work at Spitalfields Market and Borough Market in London and Sneinton Market in Nottingham. The proposals included a mix of fresh food with cultural retail and fashion along with arts uses including workspace in the old trading floor units as well as the upper levels.
In 2007 we were engaged by English Heritage to act as their expert witness in trying to stop the buildings from being demolished to make way for an office scheme. For this we put together a business plan for the re-use of the buildings along the lines of our first study. Eric Reynolds was cross examined in the Public Inquiry and his evidence was critical in the decision which was to keep the buildings intact.
| Project dates | 1999 – 2000 2007-8 |
| Client | City Corporation & English Heritage |
| Brief | Save Smithfield Market Enquiry / alternative uses |
| Partnerships | English Heritage / SAVE Britain’s Heritage |
| Results | Our first proposal was considered by the City of London Corporation who decided to take forward a redevelopment scheme instead. They chose developer Thornfield Properties. There followed a major campaign led by English Heritage and SAVE Britain’s Heritage which was ultimately successful in saving the buildings. Before Thornfield Properties went into liquidation they switched architects to produce a more heritage inclusive scheme. Following their demise the owners of the long lease are now clients of Henderson Global Investors. |
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