Smithfield Market: the great debate begins

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Developer Thornfield Properties wants to replace unlisted market buildings with massive steel and glass "statement" designs by architects KPF, arguing that only a large office scheme would generate enough profit to pay for repairs to railway tunnels below.

Mike Capocci of Thornfield said: "We have demonstrated that a new building needs to be put there. You can't viably retain the old."

English Heritage's alternative scheme would restore the low-rise Victorian market buildings to their original glory.

It maintains the tunnels can be repaired relatively cheaply as long as there is no heavy new structure on top of them.

Prince Charles has said Thornfield's plans are "an act of vandalism" and campaigned for three of the old market buildings to be restored.

English Heritage will be supported by SAVE Britain's Heritage. Secretary Adam Wilkinson said: "We need a scheme that will respect the character of the area and carry on the revival of recent years, not just plonk down a great big office block."