John McAslan’s regeneration plans for Smithfield Market have been called in for public inquiry by community secretary, Eric Pickles, following a recent petition submitted by Save Britain. The £160 million scheme, which was originally approved by the City of London in July, will involve the demolition of the 19th century covered market. Whilst developers Henderson Global Investors will retain the Victorian facades, of particular concern are the destruction of General and Fish Markets at the western end of this conservation site. The plan is to create 5,700 shops and a five-storey office block inside the market.
With 4,731 signatures and support from Islington Council and the Twentieth Century Society, Save Britain offers an alternative scheme backed by market entrepreneur from Urban Space Management, Eric Reynolds. Burrell Foley Fischer Architects intends to re-establish Smithfield’s existing use as retail markets, with food stalls and a fashion hub for the city.
Images courtesy Henderson Global Investors/John McAslan + Partners sourced from smithfieldquarter.com
