Facing the chop: One of Europe's oldest meat markets set to close

ondon’s Smithfield market has been in business since the 11th century, but is set to move – a divisive development.   CGTN’s Kitty Logan reports.

Transcript

00:00As London sleeps, Smithfield Meat Market is a hive of activity.

00:06But city authorities are calling time on this centuries-old tradition, closing it by 2028.

00:14Smithfield originated as an open-air market in the 10th century,

00:18selling live animals from around the country in the city.

00:22In 1868, it relaunched in this specially designed building.

00:27But little else has changed over the years.

00:30Greg Lawrence has worked here since he was 16, building a solid family business.

00:35Serving all London, the south-east of London,

00:39all the institutions, the prisons, the care homes, the hospitals, the schools,

00:44directly and indirectly. So it's very important.

00:47We're selling it to butchers, small supermarkets, caterers, hotels, anyone who wants to buy meat.

00:54The run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year at Smithfield.

00:58Staff work long hours to supply all kinds of meat to commercial and private customers.

01:04This market is part of a modern, thriving city.

01:09But it's also key to London's tradition and heritage.

01:14And when this site closes in a few years' time, it will be taken over by London Museum.

01:20While the venue will be put to good use, many Londoners are saddened at losing their iconic market.

01:27A public petition to stop the closure collected nearly 30,000 signatures.

01:32But traders have agreed a settlement with the City of London.

01:36Its Policy Chairman Chris Hayward says,

01:39We've worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding.

01:44We're committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need

01:49to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.

01:53With no room to grow and frustrated by traffic problems, most traders are ready to move on.

01:59It is the right time now. Ten years ago I wouldn't have said that.

02:04It would be quite emotional for me because I've been here since 1966.

02:08It is the right time. The road closures, the emissions, everything's against it at the moment.

02:16A new location is yet to be announced, but traders hope the traditions of this market are transferable.

02:23Kitty Logan, CDTN, London.