Green light for controversial Smithfield revamp

Controversial plans to redevelop Smithfield Market in Farringdon have been given the green light by City of London planners.

A meeting of the City of London’s planning and transport committee today voted 19-2 in favour to approve the scheme, which is designed by John McAsland + Partners.

The proposals for developer Henderson Global Investors will retain parts of the existing building as well as providing new office and retail space.

The scheme has been opposed by heritage campaigners.

Geoff Harris, director of property development at Henderson, said the developer had spent more than thwo and half years working with English Heritage, City of London planners and local residents on the deisng of the scheme.

He said: “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.

“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.

“Horace Jones’ Smithfield was a City landmark in the 1800s and the Henderson plans approved today will help restore it to the destination that it once was. This vision for Smithfield preserves its past whilst guaranteeing its future.”