Smithfield Annexe redevelopment to bring food market and hotel to City of London

The City of London Corporation has set out plans for the Smithfield Annexe redevelopment, with proposals for a new food market, hotel and public space beside Smithfield Market forming part of a wider transformation of the area.

The project focuses on the Annexe buildings in West Smithfield, a collection of Victorian market and storage structures dating from the late 19th century. Subject to planning approval, the scheme would bring these underused buildings back into active use within a part of central London that is already undergoing significant change.

The redevelopment is led by a partnership between the City of London Corporation, General Projects Limited and Sir Lloyd Dorfman’s Esselco Group, with designs prepared by Heatherwick Studio.

Plans for the site are divided into two phases. The first phase, expected to begin opening from 2028, centres on a new food market designed to support independent traders and introduce regular public activity. The second phase, due for completion by 2030, includes a boutique hotel, additional retail space and a landscaped public area created from a currently disused service zone.

The site sits alongside the new London Museum, which is due to open its permanent galleries in the nearby General Market building later this year, with further exhibition and learning spaces planned for 2028.

This part of the City is already seeing wider changes. The Barbican Centre is progressing through a major refurbishment programme, and the future use of Smithfield’s market buildings is expected to support a mix of cultural and commercial activity over the coming years.

The Annexe scheme forms part of the City Corporation’s Destination City programme, which is intended to bring more activity into the Square Mile beyond the working day. New food spaces, public routes and cultural activity in Smithfield would shift how this part of central London is used, drawing visitors into the area outside traditional business hours.

The proposals also include new public routes and open space, with the aim of creating a more accessible environment for residents, workers and visitors moving through Smithfield.

For more reporting on London’s development and the changes shaping the City, follow EyeOnLondon.

[Image Credit | City of London Corporation]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!