Billingsgate Fish Market traders have supported plans to leave its current site in Poplar and move to a new mega-site near London City Airport in 2028.
The plan was announced in December 2025 following a lengthy consultation with market traders and community stakeholders.
The new complex which will also incorporate Smithfield Meat Market, will be at Albert Island at the Royal Docks near London City Airport.
These markets will become known as New Smithfield and New Billingsgate Markets.
One Kent-based fishmonger who uses Billingsgate to supply his business said: “Billingsgate looks so out of place, I think everyone agrees it needs to be developed into flats or office space.
“As long as it’s not going to affect our deliveries we don’t really care where the market is.”
The move, due to the historical status of Billingsgate and Smithfield, is subject to parliamentary approval.
City authorities believe by moving the market away from the congestion of the square mile, traders will benefit from a more efficient experience.
Historically, Billingsgate Market had been based on Lower Thames Street between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
It was at this site that both George Orwell and the Kray twins worked as fish sellers. However, since 1982, it has been based at its current Poplar site which will be closing in two years time.
The planned relocation was developed in consultation with traders at both Billingsgate and Smithfield, from whom it received overwhelming support.
As per the consultation, 90% of Billingsgate traders wish to continue trading after the relocation.
A Billingsgate trader with over 50 years of experience said: “This is a family business, and my daughter will continue running it, with plans for future generations to take over. We’re committed to carrying on beyond the current premises.”
Billingsgate is open to the public despite mainly supplying commercial enterprises. Surveyed Traders said that none of their produce is sold to supermarkets.
Therefore UK households will be insulated from any effects of the relocation. Independent fishmongers continue to use Billingsgate.
However, the number of these independent enterprises has dropped by 6% over the past decade due to changing consumer preferences toward supermarkets.
The redevelopment will transform the current 14-acre Billingsgate site into a mixed-use community, featuring residential and commercial spaces, enhanced public spaces, and modern social infrastructure.
An acre of new public space will be created, as well as delivering thousands of new homes for London.
Featured image credit: Håkan Dahlström via Flickr
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