Famous London markets have been moved to create more jobs

Barking and Dagenham council leader has welcomed plans to relocate historic London markets to a purpose-built site in Dagenham Dock, bringing thousands of jobs to the area.

The City Corporation, City of London Corporation’s principle decision-making body, plans to invest almost £1bn into Barking and Dagenham to regenerate 42 acres of industrial land to make space for a wholesale food market.

Announced yesterday, regenerating the Dagenham Dock site will bring an estimated 2,700 new jobs to the borough and support 7,850 jobs across the UK.

Before it was decided that the markets should move to Dagenham, a town in East London, they were supported by Billingsgate and Smithfield council but, the ability to provide job opportunities here was limited – since the announcement to move there has been a 17% increase for job prospects.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said, ‘I’m delighted we’ve reached this next milestone for the relocation of the world-famous wholesale markets to the borough.

‘Our plans also include the development of a world food school in Barking Town Centre, in partnership with Barking and Dagenham College.

‘I’m also excited by the plans we are working on with stakeholders for a new Good Food Economy Partnership to unlock the full opportunities from the food sector for local residents, businesses and our young people.

‘This markets relocation will cement Barking and Dagenham as a destination for food and beverage. London is moving east, delivering huge opportunities, like this, for new jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the local economy.’

Chairman of the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee, Chris Hayward said: ‘This is a major milestone in an ambitious programme with economic growth at its heart – something our country so clearly needs.

‘Our investment in delivering modern, environmentally sustainable wholesale markets in Barking and Dagenham will boost the economy across east London, supporting jobs, skills and training.’

Photo by Tamara Menzi