Shipyard plan 'a priority' despite markets move

"The Greater London Authority (GLA) and City of London Corporation last week announced plans to move Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to Albert Island, at the eastern end of the docks. However, Newham Council has already granted planning permission for a major regeneration project there. The existing redevelopment plans include building "the first shipyard on the Thames for over a century" but do not include any wholesale food markets."

"A GLA spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that "discussions are ongoing about how the boatyard can be built alongside the markets". However, they acknowledged the plans to move the two markets to Albert Island meant the already-approved scheme would have to be changed. The GLA and the council hope to redevelop Albert Island as part of a wider regeneration of the Royal Docks in the south of Newham."

"In a five-year regeneration plan published as recently as March 2024, the two authorities spoke of "bringing forward state-of-the-art industrial spaces" on the island. They said these would include "a new shipyard delivered by the Port of London Authority" (PLA). It was to be built by real estate firm London and Regional, which won the contract to redevelop the island in 2018."

"Newham Council granted London and Regional planning permission for the regeneration project in March 2023. Approved plans included the shipyard, a "leisure marina", an "education centre", community facilities, shops and 16 new homes but no large food markets. However, the City of London Corporation which operates both Smithfield and Billingsgate markets announced last week that it wanted to relocate them to Albert Island, which is owned by the GLA."

The Greater London Authority and City of London Corporation plan to relocate Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to Albert Island in the Royal Docks. Newham Council previously approved a regeneration scheme for Albert Island that includes "the first shipyard on the Thames for over a century", a leisure marina, an education centre, community facilities, shops and 16 homes, but no wholesale food markets. The GLA says discussions are ongoing about building the boatyard alongside the markets and acknowledges the approved scheme will need amendment. London and Regional won the redevelopment contract in 2018 and received planning permission in March 2023.

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