Team appointed to outline New Smithfield Market future

Manchester City Council has appointed a range of advisors to put together development and investment proposals for the 35-acre New Smithfield Market.

Planner Avison Young, architect BDP, engineer WSP and agricultural consultancy Promar International are all working on the preparation of a masterplan, which will see engagement with market traders and community consultation. The masterplan is expected to be revealed by the end of next year.

The market houses 73 tenants and has been operating at the site on Whitworth Street East since 1971, supplying fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, as well as other wholesale goods.

The charity FareShare is also based at the site, taking food from the market that would have gone to waste, and redistributing it to local charities and community groups. According to the council, more than 80% of waste from the market is recycled.

Although some of the units in the two blocks that make up the market have seen investment in recent years, the council said further repairs and redevelopment is required.

According to Avison Young director Nicola Rigby, the project “presents an opportunity to breathe new life into the site, and secure its future for years to come.

“We will be looking to similar markets across the country for inspiration whilst making recommendations that retain the character of this site.”

BDP architect Ronan Connelly said the market could “become a national benchmark for the celebration of all stages of the food chain”, and highlighted the importance of the market to the local community, with 60% of the workforce living in the surrounding area.