Advisory team selected for future of New Smithfield Market

Avison Young, BDP, WSP and Promar International have been appointed by Manchester City Council to advise on future development and investment proposals for New Smithfield Market.

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

The charity FareShare is also based at the site, taking food from the market that would otherwise have gone to waste, and redistributing it to other local charities and community groups.

Although some of the internal trader units in the two blocks that make up the market have benefited from investment in recent years, further repairs and redevelopment is required to modernise and optimise the space available.

Nicola Rigby, at Avison Young Manchester, said: “New Smithfield Market has been a staple in the Manchester economy for over 40 years and was once the focal point of the local community before supermarkets became the primary destination for food shopping.

“Now predominantly used by businesses, the market has fallen into a state of disrepair which 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: “New Smithfield Market is embedded in the community with some 60% of the workforce directly employed from the surrounding areas, demonstrating the importance of the market in relation to its locality.

“NSM is a model for active economic and community engagement and BDP aim to build on this relationship to ensure the market becomes a national benchmark for the celebration of all stages of the food chain.”

Luthfur Rahman, executive member for skills, culture and leisure at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester City Council understands the importance of New Smithfield Market to the local community as an incubator for local businesses and employment opportunities. The market is also a key element to the region’s food economy.

“Working with Avison Young, BDP, WSP and Promar we are looking to ensure that the market is fit for the future and continues to be an important asset to the city and beyond.”