Rathbone Market

Rathbone Market

Rathbone Market is a historic market with roots dating back to 1253 when King Henry 3rd granted it a market that shall last ‘forever’ within the West Ham Community. Since 2009, the market has undergone significant redevelopment, resulting in a vibrant mix of over 600 new homes, shops, a library, and a new market square, which opened in 2015.

In October 2016, Tudor Markets took over the management of Rathbone Market, which now operates four days a week. The market offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, food stalls, and clothing, maintaining its status as one of London’s oldest and most famous street markets.

The redevelopment of Rathbone Market is a joint venture between English Cities Fund (A partnership of the Homes and Communities Agency, Legal & General, and Muse Developments), the London Borough of Newham as the developing partner, and Notting Hill Housing Group as the affordable housing body.

Aurelia is the pivotal second phase of the development, making the launch of Newham Council’s Canning Town and Custom House 3.7bn regeneration programme. Aurelia features two interconnected public spaces at the heart of the development: a redefined market square and a welcoming space at the exit of an existing subway beneath the A13.

Project

Rathbone Market

Location

London

Contractor

Landscape Architect

Churchman Thornhill Finch

Rathbone Market is a historic market with roots dating back to 1253 when King Henry 3rd granted it a market that shall last ‘forever’ within the West Ham Community. Since 2009, the market has undergone significant redevelopment, resulting in a vibrant mix of over 600 new homes, shops, a library, and a new market square, which opened in 2015.

In October 2016, Tudor Markets took over the management of Rathbone Market, which now operates four days a week. The market offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, food stalls, and clothing, maintaining its status as one of London’s oldest and most famous street markets.

The redevelopment of Rathbone Market is a joint venture between English Cities Fund (A partnership of the Homes and Communities Agency, Legal & General, and Muse Developments), the London Borough of Newham as the developing partner, and Notting Hill Housing Group as the affordable housing body.

Aurelia is the pivotal second phase of the development, making the launch of Newham Council’s Canning Town and Custom House 3.7bn regeneration programme. Aurelia features two interconnected public spaces at the heart of the development: a redefined market square and a welcoming space at the exit of an existing subway beneath the A13.

Project

Rathbone Market

Location

London

Contractor

Landscape Architect

Churchman Thornhill Finch

Project

Rathbone Market

Location

London

Contractor

Landscape Architect

Churchman Thornhill Finch

A Standout feature of the redevelopment is its emphasis on urban greening and tree planting, transforming the area into a greener, more sustainable environment. This initiative aligns with the London Plan Climate Change Policy, emphasising the need for developments to mitigate climate change and minimise carbon emissions.
The project was a collaboration of several key players:

Client: London Borough of Newham / English Cities Fund
“The market is thriving; we have provided the best possible set-up to make sure the Market can continue for at least another 50 years”, Isabelle Asante, Development Manager, English Cities Fund
Planners: Hilson Moran
Architects: CZWG / Project Orange
Landscape Architects: Churchman Thornhill Finch designed a series of green spaces to provide residents with areas to connect with nature. They emphasised the social and environmental aspects, aiming to strengthen communities and connect them with nature.

A Standout feature of the redevelopment is its emphasis on urban greening and tree planting, transforming the area into a greener, more sustainable environment. This initiative aligns with the London Plan Climate Change Policy, emphasising the need for developments to mitigate climate change and minimise carbon emissions.
The project was a collaboration of several key players:

Client: London Borough of Newham / English Cities Fund
“The market is thriving; we have provided the best possible set-up to make sure the Market can continue for at least another 50 years”, Isabelle Asante, Development Manager, English Cities Fund
Planners: Hilson Moran
Architects: CZWG / Project Orange
Landscape Architects: Churchman Thornhill Finch designed a series of green spaces to provide residents with areas to connect with nature. They emphasised the social and environmental aspects, aiming to strengthen communities and connect them with nature.

The project utilises 60 Ton/M2 series StrataCells, robust social cells with 94% soil by volume that support tree growth while being strong enough to allow emergency vehicles and fire engines to overrun close to buildings. Strapped anchor guying secures large tree species, and an irrigation system ensures trees receive adequate water, integrating with other Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on the site.

Historically, Newham has had low tree coverage, but this project is part of a broader initiative to increase tree numbers across the borough. Supported by a grant from the Forestry Commission, the local council is dedicated to transforming Newham into a greener, cleaner and more environmentally friendly area. Trees offer substantial benefits, including shade and cooling during hot weather, pollution reduction, and improved drainage.

The tree planting and urban greening efforts at Rathbone Market are vital to the area’s regeneration. These initiatives enhance Canning Town’s aesthetic appeal and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and community engagement. The project serves as a model for urban development in London and beyond, demonstrating how thoughtful design and strategic planning can transform a historical market into a modern, vibrant and sustainable community hub.

The project utilises 60 Ton/M2 series StrataCells, robust social cells with 94% soil by volume that support tree growth while being strong enough to allow emergency vehicles and fire engines to overrun close to buildings. Strapped anchor guying secures large tree species, and an irrigation system ensures trees receive adequate water, integrating with other Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on the site.

Historically, Newham has had low tree coverage, but this project is part of a broader initiative to increase tree numbers across the borough. Supported by a grant from the Forestry Commission, the local council is dedicated to transforming Newham into a greener, cleaner and more environmentally friendly area. Trees offer substantial benefits, including shade and cooling during hot weather, pollution reduction, and improved drainage.

The tree planting and urban greening efforts at Rathbone Market are vital to the area’s regeneration. These initiatives enhance Canning Town’s aesthetic appeal and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and community engagement. The project serves as a model for urban development in London and beyond, demonstrating how thoughtful design and strategic planning can transform a historical market into a modern, vibrant and sustainable community hub.

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