The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council today welcomed news from the City of London Corporation that the borough is the preferred option for the relocation of London’s iconic markets.

This announcement followed plans announced last August to consolidate Billingsgate, New Spitalfields and Smithfield markets under one roof, relocating them to a new site.

“We all know London is moving east and Barking and Dagenham is on the up. It's time to bring London's wholesale markets home where they belong." 

Reacting to today’s announcement, Cllr Darren Rodwell said:

“This is fantastic news! We all know London is moving east and Barking and Dagenham is on the up. It’s time to bring London’s wholesale markets home where they belong. And that home is Barking and Dagenham.

“Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields are all world-renowned markets. They deserve a first-class location.

“Barking once boasted the largest fishing fleet in the world until the late 19th century. It is therefore fitting that London’s main fishing market is coming home.

"Our aspiration today is to bring jobs to the borough, train the butchers, fishmongers and market gardeners of tomorrow, and take every opportunity to secure a new retail and educational offer as part of the regeneration of the Roding riverside area."