Greg Lawrence has worked at Smithfield Market since he was 16: ‘We know this is best for tenants’

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A SMITHFIELD supremo said he was emotional but also optimistic about the future after City bosses hammered the final nail in the historic market’s coffin this week.

Greg Lawrence, chairman of Smithfield Market Tenants, was speaking after the City of London Corporation voted to stop operating the market.

An original £1billion plan to move the market to Dagenham has been scrapped, bringing the curtain down on 800 years of history.

The market will continue operating for another five years before the closure.

Mr Lawrence said: “There’s no one going to be sadder than me because I’ve been there all my life, since I was 16 and I’m quite emotional over it.

“It’s the only place I’ve ever worked. It’s historic and it’s known in all corners of the world – but it’s the right move.

“In the last 10 years the changes in the area have made it very difficult for vehicles to get in and out with gridlock traffic.

“The road structure is completely wrong and it can only get worse as we go on each year.

“Everything is wrong about where the market is. You have to balance the two things up.

“So they’re going to close Smithfield – but people don’t remember we’ve got Smithfield for another five years. People tend to forget that. We’ll make the most of it. All the businesses will still carry on but elsewhere.”

Smithfield Market

He added: “I think it will be better really. And you may think that is a surprise to hear coming from me, but where we are in Smithfield the businesses can’t expand. They can’t grow because there’s no space in the market. So it is the right move for the businesses.

“Make no mistake we’re not silly people, we know this is the best for the tenants, and I can understand it’s the best for the City as well, it is the way forward.”

The £1billion pound plans to relocate Smithfield market and Billingsgate fish market to Dagenham had been put on hold by the City of London Corporation due to a review of “financial sustainability”. On Tuesday a decision was made to scrap the project.

Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the corporation said: “This decision represents a positive new chapter for Smithfield and Billingsgate markets in that it empowers traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals.

“By stepping back from direct market operations, we will help to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently. We’ve worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding.

“We’re committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.

“Our broader vision for the Square Mile remains unchanged. Alongside this transition, we are implementing some of the most transformative projects in a generation, such as the Salisbury Square Development, which will house the new City of London Police HQ and multi-courts complex, and the new London Museum at West Smithfield. With our Destination City ambitions, these projects are creating a vibrant, world-class City for workers, residents, and visitors alike.”