Plans to redevelop London’s Smithfield Market are given the green light

The much talked about plans to redevelop Smithfield market have been given the green light by City of London planners. As we reported earlier this year, the development in the heart of a London district renowned for its creative industries, including many of the UK’s leading workplace design studios, has been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny and controversy. Now the City of London’s planning and transport committee has voted to approve the scheme designed by John McAslan + Partners. Most of the objections were made by campaigners based on the heritage of the historic site.

But Geoff Harris, director of property development at the developers Henderson, said his firm had worked closely with English Heritage, planning officers and local residents to assuage fears about the nature of the historic building. “I am grateful for the hard work and commitment of our professional team which has resulted in a high quality scheme which achieves the right balance of adding enough density in a way that is sympathetic to retaining as much of the Victorian fabric as is possible,” he said in a statement.“The Henderson mixed-use and conservation-led scheme will bring an exciting and vibrant mix of retail, office and enhanced public amenity spaces and much needed new investment to West Smithfield and the Farringdon area. The scheme will bring active and vibrant uses back to Smithfield and provide a valuable retail and restaurant offer to local residents and workers.”