News 06•17
Join us for the Flower Market Trade Open Day on Wednesday 28 June
On 3 April we opened the doors to the new Flower Market. Excited florists, landscapers, bloggers, photographers, film crews and plenty more have all come along to see it in action.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to look around the new building, we’ve got the perfect excuse.
On Wednesday 28 June we’re holding a Trade Open Day, for trade and businesses only, from 04:00 to 10:00 (with some wholesalers open till 13:00).
And if you already know the new place like the back of your hand, join us for a special Flower Market day.
WHAT'S ON
We’re creating a cinema in the Flower Market for one morning only. Here, we’ll be screening our new short documentary film capturing the move to the new Flower Market. The people, the stories, the feelings. Watch it all unfold. We’ll also be showing our new short story films that put the spotlight on some of the market’s wonderful people. Pop in anytime during the Open Day.
During the Open Day, it’s free entry and parking for all vehicles. You can also enjoy a free drink and snack on us when you arrive.
TEETHING TROUBLES
We’re all still bedding into our new home. Learning the space. Adapting and making changes to the way we work. All to make the new market run smoother for everyone. There are some issues and we’re working to fix them, such as with the lifts. Thank you for bearing with us while we do that.
Interim Distribution Units: an exciting glimpse of what’s to come in the Fruit and Veg Market
On the East side of the market, you can see how the construction of the Interim Distribution Units is coming together.
These distribution units are for three of our largest wholesale distributors who will move in to help free up space for the construction of the new Fruit and Veg Market. This will come into effect towards the end of 2017. Units will be kitted out to the same spec as the new market so offer a taste of what’s to come with new fridges, chilling facilities, mezzanines and floor layouts on show.
Lifts in the market
We know that there have been a number of issues with lifts across the market. Some of these issues are technical, others come down to general wear and tear.
We have turned off the Multi-Storey Car Park lifts for safety and repair reasons, and are currently reviewing refurbishment options. We’re working to get this fixed as soon as we can.
We know this is disruptive and we are addressing lift issues as a priority. We’re working with VINCI St. Modwen to accelerate the start for new lifts works in the Multi-Storey Car Park. We’ll also ensure a sufficient number of lifts remain in good working condition within the Fruit and Veg Market until the buildings are demolished.
Edible Avenue brings a vegetable orchestra to its streets
Ever wondered if it’s possible to play the aubergine? Well, the answer is yes. At least that’s the feedback we’ve had from families and friends who attended London’s Vegetable Orchestra, part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe in May.
To support the event New Covent Garden Market donated a selection of its vegetables to this creative bunch who used them to make musical instruments and set up a treasure hunt, taking place along Edible Avenue SW8 and Thessaly Road.
People had fun rummaging around the local estate and playground in search of hidden produce, swapping recipe ideas based on what was found and fashioning an eclectic mix of musical veg-struments.
The Edible Avenue project is a partnership between New Covent Garden Market and Vinci St. Modwen. Whilst redevelopment works take place this aims to improve the look and feel of the market’s boundary along Thessaly Road and bring the ethos of the market into the community.
Construction Programme
Click on the image to view a larger version of the construction programme.
This is the latest Construction Programme for the next few months. As with any project of this size, all dates are indicative and are subject to change. As we get nearer to the start date we will be able to confirm timings with more certainty. The start date refers to the date that area is handed over to the contractor and is not the date significant works might start as, often, preparatory works are needed before demolition or construction can begin. The end date is our target end date.