Ballymore Group Heralds New Era at Old Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields, London, UK – One of London’s most historic shopping, event and entertainment destinations, Old Spitalfields Market (OSM), has entered the next phase of its development, according to its owner, the Ballymore Group. At a ceremony held to unveil the Market’s brand new identity, which features a logo depicting a Costermongers cart – an iconic part of the site’s heritage, Garreth Keating, Ballymore Group’s director of asset management, commented: “In the five years since we undertook the redevelopment of the former wholesale market site, Old Spitalfields Market has made great strides in establishing itself as one of London’s leading shopping and entertainment destinations.” “Following the appointment of Wellington Market Company as our new operator 12 months ago, we are now confidently taking Old Spitalfields Market into a new era of growth and development – one that will see the site’s popularity rise both in the UK and internationally.” The market has indeed carved out a niche for itself, having attracted some big names in the retail and restaurant business. John Torode’s The Luxe is just one of many bars, restaurants and food kiosks that have made OSM their home. High-end, big-name fashion shops such as Barbour, Alban, Fred Perry, Agnes B, Lulu and Lush and Jigsaw have all helped to boost the site’s non-High Street appeal. With a major cosmetics company taking over the final remaining retail unit, the market is in the enviable position of having a waiting list. Malcolm Ball, chief executive of Wellington Market Company, the operator of the site, added: “We have recently celebrated our first anniversary at OSM and during this time we’ve been busy with a number of initiatives, promotions and events that have helped boost footfall to the site. Every Sunday, we regularly attract around 30,000 visitors, which clearly demonstrates the market’s popularity.” “Events feature heavily in our plans for growing revenues at the site. Last year, we played host to a number of high-profile events, including the Japanese Matsuri Cultural Festival, Thomson Reuters EIKON Launch, The London Restaurant Festival’s Award Ceremony and Origin: The London Craft Fair – to name a few.” “We are also in the process of a planning application to establish a new Saturday market and this will undoubtedly boost the popularity of the site, plus open up additional opportunities for our traders’ own independent businesses. “The unique mix of market stalls, retail outlets, bars and restaurants has already proved to be a hit with visitors, which in turn, gives both Wellington Market Company and Ballymore the confidence to move forward with the site’s development.” www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com ENDS Photograph Caption (see link below): Pictured, is George Major, The Pearly King of Peckham during the launch of Old Spitalfields Market’s new logo, complete with his Costermonger’s cart.

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