The establishment of a shipyard at the Royal Docks in Newham, located in east London, continues to be a key objective, according to officials at City Hall, despite the introduction of plans to relocate two significant food markets there.

Last week, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the City of London Corporation revealed their intention to move Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to Albert Island, situated at the eastern end of the docks.

However, Newham Council has already approved plans for a substantial redevelopment in that area.

This existing redevelopment initiative includes the creation of “the first shipyard on the Thames in over a century,” although it does not involve any wholesale food markets.

A spokesperson for the GLA informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that “conversations are continuing regarding the construction of the boatyard in conjunction with the markets”.

They did admit that the relocation of the two markets to Albert Island would necessitate modifications to the already approved plans.

Both the GLA and the council aim to transform Albert Island as part of a broader redevelopment effort for the Royal Docks in southern Newham.

Their five-year regeneration strategy, published recently in March 2024, highlighted the intention to develop “modern industrial spaces” on the island.

The authorities noted that this would include “a new shipyard operated by the Port of London Authority” (PLA).

The shipyard was to be constructed by property developer London and Regional, which secured the redevelopment contract for the island in 2018.

In March 2023, Newham Council granted planning permission to London and Regional for the revitalization project.

The approved plans featured the shipyard, a “leisure marina,” an “education centre,” community amenities, retail spaces, and 16 new homes, but did not include any large food markets.

Nonetheless, last week, the City of London Corporation, which manages both Smithfield and Billingsgate markets, announced its intention to move these markets to Albert Island, which is under GLA ownership.

The GLA spokesperson confirmed that the plans would have to be revised to integrate Smithfield and Billingsgate markets.

This updated plan would then be submitted to Newham Council for further planning approval.

The spokesperson emphasized, “The boatyard is still a priority for the GLA and the PLA. Ongoing discussions are focused on how to incorporate the boatyard alongside the markets.”

They noted that the proposal for the markets would require amendments to the current permissions, but the core principles—such as comprehensive redevelopment and job creation—would remain intact.

The GLA also indicated that a new developer may be introduced.

They assured that Newham Council and Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz were “kept informed about the progress” in discussions regarding the markets.

The GLA clarified that the negotiations “were managed by team members from the Royal Docks, as is customary for such projects”.

During a full council meeting on Monday, Fiaz described the announcement as a “momentous week for our borough”.

She remarked that it represented “the culmination of seven years of dedicated effort, collaborating with council officers,” and could potentially lead to an investment of £750 million in Newham, resulting in over 2,200 new jobs.