Two green heritage plaques have been unveiled at New Covent Garden Market, officially recognising the importance of the Market’s fifty-plus years in its Nine Elms location.

The plaques, awarded by Wandsworth Council’s Heritage Committee, were unveiled in a ceremony held early on Wednesday 14 January, at both the Fruit & Vegetable Market and the Flower Market. “These two communities have been at the heart of London’s food and floral supply for generations,” says Wanda Goldwag, Covent Garden Market Authority Chair. “The plaques recognise not only the longevity of the two markets themselves, but also the people, families and businesses who have shaped New Covent Garden Market over the past five decades,” she adds.

Located at the entrance to the Flower Market on Nine Elms Lane and outside the new Buyers’ Walk in the Fruit & Vegetable Market (above), both plaques are permanent reminders of our Market’s heritage and its continuing role in London’s life. On hand to represent the Market community were Bryan Porter of Porters Foliage in the Flower Market, and Paul Grimshaw of Direct Delivered Produce (DDP) in the Fruit and Vegetable Market.

Also in attendance were several members of Wandsworth Council’s Heritage Committee, some of whom were visiting the Market for the first time. “I’ve been living in the same house in Battersea since the 1960s and to see all the historic changes over that time has been wonderful,” says Jeanne Rathbone from The Battersea Society, part of Wandsworth's Heritage Committee. “There’s normally a waiting list for green plaque applications,” adds Jeanne, “but as New Covent Garden was celebrating its 50^th anniversary in Nine Elms during 2024-2025, we were delighted to award the plaques to the Market’s community to recognise their importance to the borough of Wandsworth.”