ondon’s Smithfield market has been in business since the 11th century, but is set to move – a divisive development.
CGTN’s Kitty Logan reports.
CGTN’s Kitty Logan reports.
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00:00As London sleeps, Smithfield Meat Market is a hive of activity.
00:06But city authorities are calling time on this centuries-old tradition, closing it by 2028.
00:14Smithfield originated as an open-air market in the 10th century,
00:18selling live animals from around the country in the city.
00:22In 1868, it relaunched in this specially designed building.
00:27But little else has changed over the years.
00:30Greg Lawrence has worked here since he was 16, building a solid family business.
00:35Serving all London, the south-east of London,
00:39all the institutions, the prisons, the care homes, the hospitals, the schools,
00:44directly and indirectly. So it's very important.
00:47We're selling it to butchers, small supermarkets, caterers, hotels, anyone who wants to buy meat.
00:54The run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year at Smithfield.
00:58Staff work long hours to supply all kinds of meat to commercial and private customers.
01:04This market is part of a modern, thriving city.
01:09But it's also key to London's tradition and heritage.
01:14And when this site closes in a few years' time, it will be taken over by London Museum.
01:20While the venue will be put to good use, many Londoners are saddened at losing their iconic market.
01:27A public petition to stop the closure collected nearly 30,000 signatures.
01:32But traders have agreed a settlement with the City of London.
01:36Its Policy Chairman Chris Hayward says,
01:39We've worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding.
01:44We're committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need
01:49to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.
01:53With no room to grow and frustrated by traffic problems, most traders are ready to move on.
01:59It is the right time now. Ten years ago I wouldn't have said that.
02:04It would be quite emotional for me because I've been here since 1966.
02:08It is the right time. The road closures, the emissions, everything's against it at the moment.
02:16A new location is yet to be announced, but traders hope the traditions of this market are transferable.
02:23Kitty Logan, CDTN, London.