City of London launches plans for power station redevelopment

The City of London Corporation expects to submit an outline planning application to turn the former Barking Reach Power Station into a new home for three of London’s markets before the summer. It is now launching a public consultation on its plans to relocate Billingsgate fish market, fruit and vegetable market New Spitalfields and Smithfield meat market into the power station. The corporation believes that locating the three wholesale markets on to this new 42-acre site will future-proof them, while significantly improving operational, environmental and sustainability standards. Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation, said: “Our number one priority is to provide a top-quality market environment serving London and the South East – not just fit for today’s needs but also for tomorrow’s. “The move to Dagenham Dock will enable our wholesale markets to flourish, providing more modern facilities and space for our tenants to grow so that they can continue to support London’s food economy. “The launch of these new plans shows we are one step closer to realising our ambitions for this site – a vision which will help us create a modern and sustainable co-located food location serving existing and future generations across London and the UK.” Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, added: “The proposed new home for London’s markets promises to bring a huge economic boost to the borough, and our priority will be to make sure that local people have the skills and training to take advantage of the employment opportunities that will arise. “So it’s especially important that our residents and local businesses share their knowledge of the area and respond to the consultation to ensure that we can ensure the markets operate smoothly and flourish and grow in their new location.“ Consultations are being held during the week commencing 27 January to give residents and businesses an opportunity to see the emerging plans. The dates and locations for the events are: 4.30-7.30pm on Wednesday, 29 January, Thames View Community Hall, 3117 Bastable Avenue, (corner of Bastable Avenue and Samuel Ferguson Place) Barking, IG11 0LG 5.30-8.30pm on Thursday, 30 January, at Barking Learning Centre 2 Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB 10am-1pm on Saturday, 1 February, at St Peter’s RC Parish Hall, 52 Goresbrook Rd, Dagenham RM9 6UR To send feedback, e-mail louise.dransfield@egi.co.uk or tweet @DransfieldL or @estatesgazette