Agenda item

The Superintendents of Billingsgate, New Smithfield and Spitalfields Markets to be heard.

BILLINGSGATE

COVID-19 Impact

Income generation opportunities had reduced substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for filming on site. Parking income had also decreased and some permit charges had been refunded.  Rental Income from advertising hoardings had been withheld by the tenant whose revenues from the site had fallen significantly and may be at risk. 

COVID-19 Testing

Part of the site had been used to host COVID-19 testing facilities.

Staffing

Although Fisheries Inspectors were not currently on site, CoL Environmental Officers were available to provide advice and support to tenants and traders

NEW SPITALFIELDS

COVID-19 Impact

Visitor levels had remained static during the pandemic Debbie and wholesale trade had not been affected much.  However, catering had been severely impacted and some businesses were not operating.  Social distancing measures were in place and PPE packs had been issued to tenants and traders. 

Barrier

The entrance barrier had been operational since 4^th February 2020 and was   generating income.  There were a few outstanding technical issues and the payment machine had been converted to accept cash.  There were also technical issues with the pedestrian gate and turnstile and it was anticipated that this would be operational by early autumn. Officers were liaising with the Comptroller’s Department to draft a letter making a case for compensation from the contractors in lieu delays in supplying/fitting equipment. (The Chairman requested that a copy of the letter be circulated to Committee Members)

Air Quality

No air quality measuring was taken place due to limited staffing resources

Energy Saving

Replacement LED lighting was being installed which would reduce energy costs after the initial 2 year payback period.

SMITHFIELD

COVID-19 Impact

Traders were working in challenging conditions and approximately 200 market employees were on furlough.  However, this number would decrease over the coming weeks as staff were recalled to cover holiday absence and as the furlough support scheme tapered away. CoL market staff had remained constant throughout with little effect on service levels during the pandemic.

Cash-flow for traders at the Market was a continuing challenge. Approximately 80% of debt owed to traders before prior to lock-down was still outstanding and two business had issued redundancy notices in recent days.

Car Park

Car parking income had decreased significantly primarily as a result of COVID-19.   However, this had been further exacerbated by the recent increase in the Congestion Charge fee and the widening of the hours and days of operation. Income to the end of June 2020 was £77,000 less, compared to the same period last year and it was anticipated that this trend would continue for the foreseeable future.

Smithfield Projects

Plans for works to the annexe building, general market, tunnel lids and poultry market domed roof were progressing in West Smithfield. A written summary of all the local works has been communicated to all Market tenants.  This would be followed up by monthly progress newsletters and regular meetings with tenants to raise any concerns.