City of London Corporation has granted planning permission and listed building consent for the new Museum of London in West Smithfield.

Expected to become one of London's top ten attractions, the new museum is set to draw more than two million annual visitors, generating substantial economic benefits for the Smithfield area.

The project aims to preserve much of the site's historic fabric, creating atmospheric spaces above and below ground. This will enable the museum to display more of its collection and host a wider array of exhibitions, learning activities, and events, with the goal of reaching every schoolchild in London.

The planning application includes the General Market and Poultry Market, where the new museum will be housed, and a suite of buildings known as The Annexe, including the Fish Market, Red House, and Engine House. Listed building consent has also been obtained for the Grade II-listed Poultry Market.

The rebranded London Museum will form a central element of the City of London Corporation's Destination City initiative, which aims to transform the Square Mile's leisure offerings and establish it as a premier destination for visitors, workers, and residents alike.

Chris Hayward, the Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, commented: “I am thrilled to welcome the approved plans for the new Museum of London and the cultural transformation of Smithfield which will support our Destination City vision for the Square Mile as a seven-day-a-week visitor destination.

“This landmark project will not only provide a modern and immersive museum experience but will breathe new life into this historic site and have a positive impact for the city, its residents and visitors.”

Shravan Joshi, City of London Corporation Planning Applications Sub-Committee Chairman said: “This approval is a key milestone for the new museum, which will be an exceptional attraction that is open and accessible to all. This project will play an integral part in our Destination City plans by boosting the Square Mile’s leisure offer for visitors, workers and residents.

“As well as being an exceptional attraction in its own right, the new museum will bring substantial economic, environmental, cultural and social benefits for London as whole.”

Sharon Ament, Director of the Museum of London, added: “We have made huge strides forward with our work at Smithfield to protect these historic market buildings and create the foundations for a new, modern museum that reaches the highest standards of sustainability in both build and operation.

“We are in the process of creating what will be one of the most remarkable museums, I am convinced of this every time I take someone on a tour of the site.

“The progress we’ve made so far would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners, including the City of London Corporation, the Mayor of London, Arts Council England and many other generous donors. We’re excited to move ahead with the next chapter of our work and engage with thousands of Londoners as we begin the countdown to opening in 2026!”

See also the current Museum of London.