In October Movehut reported that plans for the redevelopment of Smithfield Market were due to go on public display. The proposals have since been met with criticism from conservationists who argue that the £160 million revamp will ‘gut’ one of the most important examples of a Victorian market building in Europe. Now a campaign group has come up with alternative proposals which have received the support of the Architects Journal.
Smithfield is one of the last surviving examples of the lofty iron and glass market halls that once flourished in cities all over Europe. Although it has been unoccupied since the 1980s, and has been allowed to fall into disrepair, it remains a local landmark and recently featured as the entrance to MI6’s headquarters in the latest James Bond film Skyfall.
The current proposal from developer Henderson Global Investors and architects John McAslan and Partners would see the ‘hollowing out’ of the current structure in order to accommodate low rise office buildings, retail space and a new piazza. The plans have the support of English Heritage but campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage (Save), which has described the McAslan design as ‘hashed together conservation,’ has now presented an alternative vision for the site.
The rival plans have been drawn up by Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) and involve the restoration of the building to create a new cultural and retail space that will compliment the natural regeneration of the Smithfield quarter that is already underway. In addition, the striking roofs would be retained as part of a larger canopy covering a light and airy interior. The basement would house exhibition galleries, fashion spaces and lecture halls.
Speaking on behalf of Save Britain’s Heritage, Marcus Binney says that Smithfield is already one of the liveliest districts in the city and is rapidly being colonised by new businesses. He believes that Save’s proposals will add to the cultural and commercial life of the area while preserving an historic building. Fashion Hub UK was ready to back the new conservation-led scheme, he added.
Mr Binney concluded with this call; “Wake up City planners and Aldermen! Smithfield Market ranks as one of London’s chief public spaces that could be serving the city and its visitors, as the capital’s newest hub.”
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