London’s Oldest Fish Market Faces Closure, Traders Express Concern and Hope

The prospective permanent closure of Billingsgate Fish Market, London’s most historic fish market, has caused dismay and sorrow among its tenants. Despite this, the sentiment is that London will always retain a location for purchasing fish, even if it is not the current Billingsgate site or name. Tony Lyons, who chairs the London Fish Merchants Association, the body representing the market’s tenants, expressed confidence in the trade’s longevity. He stated, “You can’t wipe it out overnight.” Lyons added, “I’d like to see another market like this and we all go together, and I think that’s the general consensus.” The market’s current location in Canary Wharf is scheduled for closure by 2028, following a decision by the City of London Corporation to cease its backing for the market. Smithfield meat market is also slated for closure. Established in the 1700s, Billingsgate holds the distinction of being London’s oldest fish market and the United Kingdom’s largest inland fish market, facilitating the sale of approximately 25,000 tonnes of fish and related products each year. The corporation had initially intended to relocate the market to a specially constructed £1bn facility in Dagenham. However, this proposal was abandoned earlier this month due to financial worries, after the council had already invested more than £300m in acquiring and preparing the Dagenham site. “When we heard that Dagenham wasn’t going ahead it was the worst news we have had for years,” Tony stated. He continued, “We thought we were going to be there for hundreds of years, and it got pulled from under our feet.” The corporation indicated its commitment to collaborating with traders to assist them in securing alternative locations. The market relocated to its present location in Poplar, east London, in 1982, from where it provides fish to various establishments including businesses, fishmongers, fish-and-chip shops, delicatessens, and restaurants. The current site has been designated for the construction of thousands of new residential units. Scott Unwin, who has dedicated almost 40 years to his family’s enterprise, commented that the news has not fully resonated with him yet. He remarked, “It’s a shock and upsetting. I’ve been here 36 years and my boy is also involved in the business, so we’re all upset.” Scott, whose father was previously employed at Old Billingsgate, further stated: “I left school at 14 and came to work as a shopboy with my father and we built the business up.” He lamented, “Three generations in the business and it’s going to come to an end.” He expressed his hope that a method could be identified to “continue supplying London and Essex with the finest fresh fish in the world”. Chris Lark, an employee for eight years, commented: “It will be really sad to see this place shut down.” He questioned, “Let’s hope they relocate the market one day, otherwise where will people get their food from?” He also mentioned: “It’s such a good laugh down here, with good people. They all look after each other.” Chris Hayward, the policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, characterized the decision as a “positive new chapter,” asserting that it “empowers traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals.” He further stated: “We’re committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.” The corporation confirmed that traders could maintain their operations at both Billingsgate and Smithfield markets until at least the year 2028.