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Smithfield show makes case for saving market
09.10.07
A major exhibition is launched today to help decide the future of the historic Smithfield Market buildings prior to the opening of a planning inquiry next month.
The main issue of the inquiry will be the demolition of the general market building and redevelopment.
The proposed scheme, by developers Thornfield Properties, has a massive flat-fronted steel and glass building, designed by architects KPF at 43 Farringdon Street.
The City Corporation approved the scheme last May. At the inquiry, English Heritage will argue that the demolition of the general market building would damage the conservation area irreparably.
The exhibition of English Heritage's alternative ideas for the market is at The Gallery, 75 Cowcross Street, Farringdon.
Reader views (2)
Even more steel and glass, can we not keep the outside face and 'Do up' the inside, please.
- Charles Cooper, Kendal, Cumbria
The City Corporation has not done a very good job of preserving the City of London thus far, as can be seen by the number of old buildings which have been demolished to make way for substandard glass and steel structures. All of this has been in competition with Docklands, so that the City Corporation can lure the big companies to its area. However, it seems to forget that it has a wider remit to London at large to preserve the character of the City. The proposed new building in Smithfield is yet another draftsman's boring design in glass and steel, which a trainee could easily have produced. It has no flair and in a few years will look every bit as boring and horrible as it does now. I am against the scheme - isn't there someone clever enough to keep the beautiful old buildings whilst incorporating new features to 'modernise' it for businesses. We need to put this project out to competition, as they do abroad.
- Maxine Barron, London
