New Spitalfields, said the Review, should become the wholesale market for the east of London and its suburbs. The market has a strong ethnic presence and would undoubtedly benefit from the capacity to wholesale meat and fish on site, alongside its existing fruit and vegetable offer.
John Olney, chairman of Spitalfields Market Tenants' Association, welcomed the core recommendations of the Review. "It has always been my opinion that London should be serviced by three markets – one to the west, Western International, one to the east, New Spitalfields, and New Covent Garden servicing the centre," said Olney. "The interesting dimension contained in Saphir's constructive Review is the concept that each of the three markets should seek to develop into one-stop centres of excellence, selling a more diverse produce range." Olney's belief is that the way forward is through the will of the tenants, with the Corporation and Defra providing the means. The one stipulation that his market has always made clear is that whatever opportunities are given to NCG should be reciprocated in east London. The Review, if implemented in its entirety, would allow for that.
Olney added: "The Review is a blueprint for the future. It is my job as chairman to actively enter into the forthcoming debate, not only to protect and develop the business opportunities for the tenants of New Spitalfields Market, but also to safeguard and enhance the job prospects of current and future employees." There are between 1,500 and 2,000 employees working at the Leyton site.
The one drawback at Spitalfields, as with Western International's proposed new site, is a potential lack of capacity to take on new tenants in its existing format. But Olney reiterates the view that where there's a will there's a way. "We all get a living out of this lump of concrete which is the base of Spitalfields market. If we get the foundations right, then the future is bright – the future is Spitalfields," said Olney. "Therefore, I welcome the review."