Spitalfields Market is one of the most community-orientated retail places in London. “London may be changing all around us, but the spirit of one community endures”, is one of the guidelines for the management. It aims to create a memorable visit with stories visitors want to share.
community and streetscape. /// credit: Spitalfields Market
At its heart, Spitalfields ‘Traders’ Market is an uncompromising array of independent stall- holders, showcasing hand-crafted and hard-to-find pieces. The market is working to bring the traders and artists to the attention of the next generation. Next door, the historic Old Spitalfields Market also offers restaurants and fashion stores, along with some quirkier boutiques and less traditional market stalls.
“My ‘lighthouse’ project is Spitalfields Market in East London, and here are my reasons:
- Old and new components of the building have been integrated extremely well.
- Visitors will find a good mix of small independent brands and familiar national and international brands.
- The offer is a great blend of retail and F&B, temporary and permanent offers, new and pre-loved offers, street food and permanent F&B.
- The market is changing constantly: Visitors will find a different market every few days with new things to discover.
- The development is totally integrated and connected to its surrounding community and streetscape. It is seamlessly integrated into the urban grain.
- The overall offer is very inclusive for all citizens and preferences, offering both premium and mainstream brands.
- Retail/F&B units look outwards as well as inwards, which attract customers and encourages them to explore.
- Spitalfields Market offers a great digital experience with a well-thought-out app.
- Although it is in a business/office district, it caters for all citizens and trades well during the day and evening; and week days as well as the weekends.
- The management is constantly introducing new brands and offers.
All in all: Spitalfields Market is a great public realm activation.”
