Latest news with #Smithfield
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Smithfield and Billingsgate market redevelopment plans begin – but traders' future in doubt
Smithfield and Billingsgate food markets in London will be turned into new homes and a cultural destination under plans by their owner – but the future of the meat and fish traders housed on each site remains in doubt. A council within the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for running the capital's Square Mile, has voted to task a team to oversee the regeneration of 28 hectares (70 acres) of land across Greater London. However, it has not allocated any new money for the project. The corporation decided in a separate vote last November to permanently close Smithfield and Billingsgate when it pulled the plug on a planned £740m relocation to a new site in the east of the capital at Dagenham, blaming rising costs. The markets will continue trading in their current locations until 2028, but the closure will mark an end to centuries of meat and fish trading in the city. The corporation, which is exceptionally wealthy compared with typical UK local authorities, has faced a backlash over the decision and objections to the plans to permanently close London's ancient food markets and build on the sites. The corporation has previously offered compensation to Smithfield and Billingsgate traders and said it would help individual businesses to find new locations, but the newly created team will also be tasked with helping to find a new site for the meat and fish markets. Chris Hayward, the corporation's policy chair, said: 'A bright future lies ahead for these markets, and their redevelopment will contribute billions of pounds in economic growth, thousands of new jobs and thousands of new homes.' The redevelopment of the Smithfield and Billingsgate sites will add £9.1bn in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy in the coming years, according to the corporation's calculations. The history of a food market around Smithfield – close to Farringdon train station – goes back more than 800 years. The London Museum is in the process of moving to part of the site. The corporation wants the new team, which will mostly include current corporation staff, to oversee a masterplan for the remainder of the site and its Victorian listed buildings, which will aim to turn it into a cultural hub, potentially housing bars, restaurants and venues. Greg Lawrence, the chair of traders at Smithfield market, who has worked on the site since he joined at the age of 16 in 1966, said: 'Smithfield market is a very special place. It will be emotional to leave the site, it has been people's lives.' Despite this, he is in favour of the markets moving to a new, modern location. 'We have outgrown it now, there is no room for anyone to expand or grow,' he said. The 5.6-hectare Billingsgate site close to the Canary Wharf financial district has been earmarked for housing, and the corporation believes 4,000 new homes could be built there. The corporation's new team, which will comprise 11 members, will also be responsible for working with local representatives to work out how to redevelop the 17-hectare site at Dagenham Dock, in one of London's most deprived boroughs, where it had intended to build a new market complex. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion The corporation spent just under £230m of the project's £741m cost before it cancelled the Dagenham move late last year, including buying and cleaning up the site. It blamed inflation and rising construction costs for the decision. It will use the remaining £511m to fund other major projects including a law court complex it is building for the Ministry of Justice at Salisbury Square, which the Guardian understands is over budget. The corporation manages assets worth billions of pounds, and collects £1.3bn in business rates annually, most of which it passes to central government. While the corporation is the owner and operator of the Smithfield and Billingsgate sites, it does not have the power to autonomously close them down and use the land for other purposes. The capital's ancient markets were established by acts of parliament and can only be shut when parliament passes a private bill. This process has been complicated by the objection of three fishmongers from Ridley Road market in east London, who say they depend on Billingsgate for their business and will go bust if it closes down. They say they have the support of a small group of MPs who are opposed to the closure. Alicia Weston, the founder of the food poverty charity Bags of Taste and a spokesperson for the fishmongers, said the new plans appeared to be 'a positive move towards what the fishmongers have always wanted. They have asked for a suitable replacement for Billingsgate to be up and running before the closure, so they can go and buy their fish every day.'
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Plans to demolish Birmingham market submitted for third time
Plans to demolish an historic indoor market have been recommended for approval after being submitted for a third revealed last year they wanted to bulldoze the Birmingham Bull Ring site to make way for proposed development, on Edgbaston Street, would provide up to 745 apartments, or about 1,500 student bedrooms, in the city traders have sold from the site for years, but that could end amid the plans, which go before city council planning committee members on 3 July, with officers suggesting they back the scheme. The market is located on the ground floor of Edgbaston Street Car Park, which is owned by property giant Hammerson. It is run by Birmingham City Council and the local authority provides traders with their have revealed plans for a temporary alternative market site at the location of the city's former wholesale market, to which traders would be plan would then see them relocate into a new permanent building within the wider development site there, for the indoor market were submitted for a second time in February, and were also recommended for approval. The council said it would submit an application for funding to secure the replacement markets, but some members were concerned the new space could not be guaranteed, and a decision was deferred. Ahead of the proposal being considered for a third time next week, an update within council documents said there was now "an increased level of certainty over future market provision".The update revealed that meetings between council leaders, applicant Hammerson and the firm behind the Smithfield development had secured an extension of the lease on the current indoor market until March provided the "necessary time" to deliver a temporary market ahead of the transition to a permanent one, the report council added a business case for funding had been approved by the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board, and would be presented to cabinet prior to a formal bid. The council added it was negotiating with Lendlease over delivering the temporary market and that the plan provided a "credible" way forward and continuity for traders. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
The best affordable hotels in Dublin, from dorm rooms to boutique stays on a budget
There's no denying that Dublin can be an expensive city to visit. And finding a hotel that fits comfortably within a budget can be a challenge, particularly in high season or at peak times. But don't be discouraged – if you know where to look, you can often snag a (relative) bargain. There are slick hostels that have private rooms, if you're not a fan of sharing, and peaceful townhouses just outside the city that offer a great deal, compared to the more central properties. A word of warning, though – to say that Dublin hotel prices fluctuate is an understatement. When there's a big gig taking place, or demand is simply high, the prices for even the basic hostels can skyrocket. The properties below are usually at the lower end of the scale, but that can't be guaranteed – be prepared to shop around a little, and see who is offering the best price. At a glance 1. The Hendrick hotel In the middle of the hipster neighbourhood of Smithfield, The Hendrick has the best of both worlds – local bars, street art and bistros on its doorstep, but the rest of the city is barely a 20-minute walk away. The rooms are designed in the compact, pod hotel style, but there's plenty of storage under the beds and a decent bathroom. The open-plan bar area is a great hangout spot, and there's loads of cool art throughout the hotel – scan the QR codes to get an audio guide to the pieces. 2. Latroupe Jacobs Inn hotel This hostel has just been taken over from the boutique Latroupe brand, and has all the hallmarks of a cool city crash pad. The restaurant serves creative dishes like crispy chickpea salads and grilled haloumi burgers, and there's often a live DJ in the bar in the evenings, which creates a party atmosphere. The dorm rooms have a unique layout, in that the beds are all in a self-contained pod style, but the private rooms offer great value for money, and have en-suite bathrooms, as well as a boutique design with navy, wood panelled walls, tobacco leather headboards and exposed piping from which you can hang your clothes. Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland 3. Generator Dublin hotel Located next door to the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, the Generator has a mix of both dorm rooms and privates, the latter being fairly spacious. Some of those private rooms have little balconies overlooking Smithfield Square, too. Downstairs, there's a huge bar and a cool reading nook for a coffee during the day, and they have pool tables and shuffleboard, too. There's often a DJ at night or screenings in their cinema room, and they also own the Skyview Tower, which, for a nominal fee, gets you a fantastic panoramic view of the city and beyond – you just need to climb the 259 steps first. 4. The Marlin hotel Located by the Stephen's Green shops and buzzy bars around Drury and William Street South, The Marlin has 300 cool, compact rooms that are on the smaller side, but a huge groundfloor space that blends a bar, restaurant and cosy hangout nooks. Considering the size of the bar, it never feels jammed, and the menu of pub grub is great if you don't fancy venturing far for dinner. Much of the city centre is right on your doorstep, so you won't need to bother with public transport or taxis, which always makes a difference to a budget stay. Address: 11 Bow Ln E, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland 5. Stauntons on the Green hotel Their prices aren't always rock bottom, but when they're at the lower end of the scale, this period property offers fantastic value, particularly for solo travellers, as there's a single room with a twin bed. This Georgian townhouse has a great location on the southern edge of Stephen's Green, but it backs onto the Iveagh Gardens – there's even a secret gate that residents can use, through the pretty hotel garden, which is a lovely spot for a glass of wine in the evenings. If your stay includes breakfast, you'll be in for a treat, with classic Irish dishes served up on pretty crockery in the drawing room. 6. Pembroke Townhouse hotel You wouldn't expect a period property in the bougie neighbourhood of Ballsbridge to have good prices, but you can often find a decent rate in the Pembroke Townhouse. The rooms vary in size, with the Snug a good space for solo travellers, and the common areas downstairs are a nice place to sit with a book. In the shared pantry, there's free tea and Nespresso coffee and a platter of pastries you can help yourself to as well, and there's reasonably priced wine on offer. The city centre is a pleasant 15-minute stroll away. 7. Clink i Lár hotel Right in the middle of the shopping district in the Northside, Clink i Lár is a relatively new and upscale hostel, which has a mixture of dorms (including female-only) and private rooms. The rooms themselves aren't particularly exciting, unless you're on the 10th floor, where you'll be met with some cool city views. But plenty is going on downstairs, particularly for solo travellers – there are social events, movie screenings and karaoke, as well as a fairly lively bar. There's also a kitchen where you can prepare a meal, which helps save the pennies. 8. Ariel House hotel Now, there won't be any bargains found when there's a match on in the Aviva Stadium (which is just a few doors down), but this charming, recently refurbished guesthouse is a great place to stay otherwise. With the bones of an old-fashioned B&B but the style of a boutique hotel, Ariel House is a characterful space in leafy Ballsbridge. Their cosy doubles and single rooms offer the best value, but their family rooms are great if you're bringing kids. Their breakfast is one of the best in the city, with a generous buffet of homemade baked goods and an à la carte menu of exceptional Irish produce. 9. Zanzibar Locke hotel There are often good rates to be found in this aparthotel right on the River Liffey – plus, the rooms are stylish and come fitted out with well-equipped kitchens, so you can eat some meals here to save on cash. There's a cool open-plan space on the ground floor that's a popular co-working spot, but they also offer yoga classes in the courtyard and other events. It's in a great location for exploring the city, with some rooms overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge, and both sides of town are a quick walk away. 10. Trinity College Dublin accommodation Now, these rooms may only be available in the summer holidays, but considering that's when Dublin hotel prices skyrocket, that can only be a good thing. This university student accommodation is turned over to tourists when everyone leaves for their holidays, which means you get to relive your college days and score a bargain to boot. The quality varies, from heritage style with views of the historic courtyard to the more modern setups, but there's a good variety on offer. There are also apartments that can be rented to groups. You're in a prime position to explore the city, and the Book of Kells Experience is right on your doorstep. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Dublin? Like the rest of Ireland, the best time to visit Dublin for warmer weather, less rainfall, and sunnier days is in the summer months, between June and August. For a trip to the city without the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, when hotel prices are also likely cheaper. Dublin comes alive on one of Ireland's biggest national holidays, St Patrick's Day in March, when parades with colourful floats are held in the streets and arts and culture events are put on in the city to celebrate the annual saint day. Is Dublin expensive? Dublin is considered an expensive city break for tourists, but there are ways of keeping the costs down, such as opting for dorm room accommodation, making use of the fact it is a walkable city and seeking out the budget bars and eateries. What are the best free things to do? There are plenty of free museums to visit in Dublin, such as the Collins Barracks, Chester Beatty, the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland. Seek out Dublin's talking statues from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde to delve deeper into their role in Ireland's history, or head to the Dublin Portal to wave at people in New York City through a livestream. Areas such as St Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and the National Botanic Garden offer a free area to chill for an hour or so away from the city centre, or head to the nearby coastline, such as Dollymount Strand or Forty Foot, for a breath of sea air. How much spending money do I need? This depends on how much drinking, eating and shopping you plan to do. The average price of a Guinness is €5.77 (£4.93) in Ireland, but this can cost you much more in popular tourist spots like Temple Bar, so prepare accordingly for how many pints of stout you want to sink.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Wild moment brave tradie rushes to rescue woman from raging inferno engulfing her suburban house - and how she wanted to do the unthinkable
A carpenter has described the moment he rushed into a blazing inferno to wake up an elderly stranger just moments before her bedroom was engulfed in flames. The two-storey home on Theresa Street at Smithfield, in Sydney 's west, caught fire just before 7am on Thursday. Omar Masri had been driving to work when he spotted thick plumes of smoke rising from the property. He assumed it was 'just as shed fire' but only when he got closer did he realised the actual home was well alight. Mr Masri's first thought - that he would 'just go past' to make sure someone was aware of the fire - turned into him springing into action when he saw flames bursting through some of the home's windows. He said smoke started appearing from another area on the left of the property as a hissing powerline overhead showered the front lawn with sparks. A man then emerged from inside the house and told the tradie that his mother was still inside, prompting Mr Masri to selflessly venture into the flames. He went checking from room to room, hoping the flames would keep their distance, until he found the elderly woman asleep in an upstairs bedroom. 'She wasn't breathing good, her nose was all black from the smoke. It was very, very smoky - it was nearly pitch black,' Mr Masri told Daily Mail Australia. He managed to rouse the woman and the pair went back downstairs to the front door - but it was here that the woman's behaviour took Mr Masri by surprise. As he tried to guide the woman outside she stopped and told him she wanted to stay inside. 'I have no idea why. I was just saying ''the fire is too big, you have to come'' and kept urging her to leave.' The confused carpenter eventually convinced the homeowner to follow him to safety. 'Once I told her the firies (firefighters) were here she agreed.' Mr Masri had managed to film parts of the incident and, in a video taken just after the two escaped outside, it showed the fire raging inside the woman's bedroom. 'It was just a couple of minutes later,' he said. The front window of the bedroom had been blown out and flames were reaching several metres above the roof. Fire and Rescue NSW then arrived a few minutes later. Neighbours from the small, suburban cul-de-sac filed into the street to watch as firefighters battled the blaze. Police confirmed two occupants received treatment from paramedics before they were transported to local hospitals. One of them remains in a serious condition. Fire crews worked to control the blaze for hours, with the structure officially declared 'fully destroyed' later on Thursday. At one point the roof of the home partially collapsed after flames ripped through it. Firefighters also battled a 'live' feed of electricity after the power pole outside the house collapsed. Crews remained at the scene well into afternoon, putting out lingering 'hotspots' and monitoring for any potential structural collapse and or embers that could light other properties. Firefighters successfully prevented the flames from reaching neighbouring homes. Fire and Rescue NSW said specialist fire investigators will now work to determine the cause of the blaze. Ambulance NSW told Daily Mail Australia they attended to one of the occupants at the scene.
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Wave of panic': Trump immigration raids rattle businesses
The administration's push to detain record numbers of undocumented immigrants has set off "a whole new wave of panic," said Chris Thomas, a partner at the Holland & Hart law firm who represents employers in immigration cases. The sharp uptick in immigration enforcement activities is a departure for federal authorities who usually avoid going after businesses. Now, employers are worried that the escalating enforcement campaign will not only cripple their businesses but could lead to civil and criminal exposure, even when they have rigorous hiring processes, Thomas said. Tensions are running high, particularly in the construction, hospitality and food processing, but he expects the immigration crackdown will soon rattle businesses in other industries. Already, major public companies have warned investors the immigration crackdown could affect their businesses that rely on a migrant workforce. Meatpacker Smithfield warned in a securities filing in March: "Increased enforcement efforts with respect to existing immigration laws by governmental authorities may disrupt a portion of our workforce or our operations. There can be no assurance that these activities or consequences will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future." California democrat ejected: Sen. Alex Padilla handcuffed and forcibly removed from Noem press conference "We have never seen anything like this," Thomas said. "They have just gotten started and there is so much more to come. Thus far we have seen raids on a smaller scale. But they are moving into the next stage now where they will have larger-scale worksite enforcement operations at bigger companies." President Donald Trump swept into office on a pledge to crack down on illegal immigration. It is estimated that there are more than 8 million undocumented immigrants working in the United States. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News' Sean Hannity in May that the goal for ICE was a "minimum" of 3,000 arrests a day. "And President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every single day," Miller said. White House border czar Tom Homan warned this week that "worksite enforcement operations are going to massively expand." In a Truth Social post Thursday, Trump acknowledged that crackdown was hurting American employers. "Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace," Trump wrote. At the White House, he told reporters he would issue an order to help address worker shortages brought on by raids of farm and hotel workers. The president's words have not reassured employers, said Shanon Stevenson, a partner who co-chairs the national immigration practice at the Fisher & Phillips law firm. Calls from worried clients have increased 75% since last week. "Employers have to respond to the reality they are seeing. This is a massive increase in worksite enforcement," Stevenson said. "Hearing comments that specific industries won't be targeted when the employers in these industries are facing raids, and did yesterday, it's a little bit hard to swallow." Businesses are collateral damage as the explosion of immigration enforcement worsens staffing issues for businesses already facing worker shortages, according to Amy Peck, a partner with the Jackson Lewis law firm who represents employers in immigration matters. "We have employers who are not able to open their businesses because workers aren't showing up. Restaurants with multiple locations are having to consolidate or not open certain locations because of a lack of workers or they close early or close the lunch shift because there aren't enough workers," Peck said. "I have manufacturers who are going down from three shifts to two because of the lack of workers. It's really putting a squeeze on employers." Trump immigration gold card: Trump said 15,000 foreigners signed up to pay $5 million for US residency In Idaho, businesses that were already shortstaffed have lost even more employees who are afraid to show up for work, said Alycia Moss, who chairs the immigration practice group at the Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley law firm. Hispanic and Latino businesses have been particularly hard hit, Moss said. "Most of the businesses I assist and speak with could not find enough workers before this increase and now some have told me they may have to scale back or close. I have one client who had to close his business," she said.
