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  • Museum of London. Smithfield Market, Central Market, Keltbray D&C site. London. UK. 30 Jan 2024 Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Keltbray

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  • Museum of London. Smithfield Market, Central Market, Keltbray D&C site. London. UK. 30 Jan 2024 Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Keltbray

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  • Keltbray works at The Museum of London. Smithfield.London. UK. 6 Sep 2022 Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Keltbray

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  • General Market. Museum of London. Smithfield. Central London. UK. 23 Aug 2024 Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Keltbray

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  • D&C Keltbray works at Museum of London. West Smithfield.London. 30th June 2023

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  • D&C Keltbray works at Museum of London. West Smithfield.London. 30th June 2023

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  • D&C Keltbray works at Museum of London. West Smithfield.London. 30th June 2023

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Two of the historic Smithfield Market buildings, based in the heart of the City of London, are being revitalised to house the much-anticipated new London Museum. 

The General Market, a Victorian landmark designed by architect Sir Horace Jones, opened in 1883 and has long awaited restoration since its closure in the 1990s. The Poultry Market, dating from 1963, replaced an earlier Victorian-era structure lost to fire in 1958. 

Having closed the doors to its London Wall site in 2022, London Museum is set to open in its world-class new home in 2026, welcoming millions of visitors and celebrating London’s rich heritage. 

Engaging with buildings of this age brings unforeseen challenges and requires innovative, out-of-the-box planning to overcome obstacles not encountered in conventional construction. 

Keltbray is proud to be part of this project – working alongside Wentworth. This scheme is especially complex, as it involves structural transformation merged with delicate heritage preservation works. 

Key Facts

  • Preserving a chimney breast with a reinforced concrete slab spanning 250 millimetres.
  • Historic vaults and tracks were discovered and restored
  • Integrated offer approach allowed a more efficient delivery

  • “A project of this nature requires everybody to work as a team. Keltbray, alongside our project teams, is co-located within the site office to ensure the Museum's goals are achieved.”

    Joe Martin

    London Museum Construction Director

Project outcomes 

  • Heritage preservation

    Heritage preservation remained central throughout delivery, involving the retention of original façades and historic structures in a celebration of London’s history.  

  • Safe museum

    Structural alterations created a safer museum, strengthening the building while respecting its historic fabric.

  • Retaining history

    Several discoveries were made, including old vaults and train tracks, which were carefully salvaged, replaced, or repaired as part of a significant conservation effort. 

Before and After

Our large indoor space with exposed steel beams and brick walls is filled with people sitting, standing, and interacting; a few art displays and a large, white sculpture create a dynamic, general atmosphere. After
Museum of London. Smithfield Market, Central Market, Keltbray D&C site. London. UK. 30 Jan 2024 Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Keltbray Before

Curious to learn more? Watch the full case study:

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