Henderson Global Investors has unveiled proposals for Smithfield Quarter in London, regenerating the former General Market, Fish Market and Red House buildings, as well as the original engine house.
Henderson has been working closely with English Heritage and the planners at the City of London Corporation on the potential options for the buildings since 2010 and the proposals will be presented to the public at an exhibition on Friday 19 October in the Goldsmiths Centre.
The proposals, designed by John McAslan + Partners, will preserve the historic identity of the market buildings through the retention, restoration and reuse of the most significant parts of the historic buildings while bringing much-needed new investment and active, informal uses to West Smithfield and the Farringdon area in the City of London. The historic wholesale meat market does not form part of the scheme and thus is not included in the proposals.
Restaurant and retail use
The ground floors of the General Market, the Fish Market, the Red House and the old engine house will be put into reuse for restaurant and retail uses for local residents, workers, visitors and tourists, following extensive refurbishment and some adaption.
The space will include a two part piazza (part external and part internal) within the General Market building and will be arranged to provide much needed vibrant and visually attractive activity to the neighbouring streets of all the buildings.
The majority of the Victorian perimeter of the General Market, and the entirety of the Fish market and the old engine house, will be retained and receive much needed extensive restoration and refurbishment.
In the Annex Building, the ground floor will comprise restaurant and retail units located within the retained and restored Fish Market arranged on either side of the existing passage.
Geoff Harris, Director of Property Development at Henderson, said:
“Our proposals for the revitalisation of Smithfield Quarter will enhance the public amenity, infrastructure and physical structure at the heart of Smithfield and will preserve its historic character in a modern and informal fashion. It represents a significant investment in growth and regeneration and will create a much livelier and active social and public space for Smithfield and the wider City. The retail and office space on offer will provide a significant step forward for the wider regeneration of the Farringdon area.”
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