Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent, Billingsgate Market.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection concerning modernisation and improvement works at Billingsgate Market.

Noting the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers’ involvement in the project, a Member questioned the appropriateness of their participation in discussions; the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection reminded Members of the services provided to the Market free of charge by the Company, with their two fully funded full-time fish inspectors delivering a much-valued contribution.

In response to a query as to the possible construction of a multi-storey car park as an income generator for the market, the Director advised that this had previously been explored but had been felt to be unviable due to prohibitively high initial capital costs associated with construction.

A Member sought clarity as to why it was being proposed to cover the external marble stonework on the east side of the Market Hall and on the North face next to the entrance with aluminium plate. In response, the Director advised that the marble was often damaged by collisions with vehicles; not only was this unsightly, but these damaged sections were difficult to clean thoroughly, thereby risking a build-up of bacteria. These plates would protect the marble and prevent this.

RESOLVED: That the report be received and its content noted.