London Museum has appointed Bruce Gillingham Pollard as its adviser as it launches retail, leisure and office leasing opportunities at its new site in the historic Smithfield Market in Farringdon.
BGP will manage the leasing for six units forming part of a streetfront parade around the new museum, which is set to open in 2026 and is expected to attract more than two million visitors annually.
The units, known as the museum "Houses", are dotted around the 150,000-square-foot General Market building, an architectural landmark designed by Sir Horace Jones.
The General Market will be home to London Museum’s permanent galleries exploring 10,000 years of the city’s history, as well as hosting a year-round events programme and temporary displays co-curated with Londoners. Circling the market, the Houses will have frontages on to Farringdon Road, Charterhouse Street and West Smithfield. Each property can house independent retailers and restaurants, as well as offices for charities, social enterprises or other organisations. They will sit alongside the museum’s own food and beverage and retail offer, which includes a destination bar, restaurant and café.
The surrounding neighbourhood is home to leading global businesses Amazon, Snapchat, TikTok, Deloitte and Goldman Sachs as well as destination restaurants, the Fabric nightclub, and heritage sites including the 900-year-old St Bart’s Hospital.
Alec Shaw, director of new museum project and estate, London Museum, said in a statement: “As we bring the market back to public use for the first time in almost four decades, we want to bring together a community that works in symbiosis with the museum and helps us shape a major new cultural quarter.”
Tracey Pollard, founding director, leasing at Bruce Gillingham Pollard, said: “This is truly a once in a generation opportunity to be part of a team reviving one of London’s most exciting landmarks to be a civic magnet once more. The Houses’ character, location, rich history, and positioning within a major cultural address, surrounded by global businesses, presents an entirely new concept to showcase London’s best brands.”