Restoration of Old Spitalfields Market

Client: Old Spitalfields Market

Project Team: MMC Decorators

Our Role: Specification and Project Management

Project Details

Old Spitalfields Market  has long been a community ‘hot spot’, bringing together both historic and modern influences. Originally a rural food market, it later grew into a major Victorian wholesale produce hub. In the 2000s, it underwent significant restoration, transforming into the popular arts, fashion, and food destination it is today. The restoration carefully blended historic architecture with modern retail, food stalls, and surrounding commercial development.

The roofed market is enclosed on three sides by mixed-use Victorian terraced blocks. These feature double-aspect shops at ground level, forming part of the market, with residential accommodation across the upper three floors. The area is often described as a ‘melting point’ between East and West London. Chawton Hill acted as specification and project manager. Our role included preparing specifications and securing listed building consent. We also oversaw the repair and restoration of windows, roofs, and external facades.

Works extended to the surrounding blocks on Brushfield Street, Lamb Street, and Commercial Street, including full external decorations. The project was delivered in two phases, with a focus on the repair and restoration of windows to the flats above Spitalfields.

Delivery and Design

Over the years, Spitalfields Market has continued to develop and adapt. This growth has led to the construction of residential flats surrounding the market, adding to the area’s vibrancy. Working in collaboration with MMC Decorators, who acted as the main contractor, the project successfully delivered the restoration of windows, roofs, and external facades. The aim was to enhance the living environment for residents and improve the experience for tenants, while carefully maintaining the historic character.

Challenges

Although phase 1 of the repairs and restoration have now been completed successfully, the project presented several challenges. Due to the market and flats being listed and located in a conservation area, they were classified as listed buildings. Obtaining the necessary statutory approvals and listed building consent paperwork required significant time. This was to ensure that the materials used, techniques, and colours applied matched the existing.

In addition, the logistics were quite challenging. Ensuring that the ground floor retail units and market hall could be open for business during the works and access was not impeded by the scaffolding.

Outcome

With great teamwork from the Chawton Hill team and MMC Decorators, the building facades has been renovated and restored. This has given the residents and visitors a more comfortable environment. Whilst being able to appreciate the historic appearance of the conservation area.

A big thank you to all the project team for their support and collaboration. If you’re interested or need help with design, specification and project management, feel free to get in touch with the Chawton Hill team today.