Billingsgate Market – still shining brightly

The coatings specification for the iconic Billingsgate Fish Market has been hailed as truly ground-breaking.

Britain’s largest inland fish market in East London still shines brightly today – more than a decade after the coating was applied.

The brief from the market more than 10 years ago was to provide a rapid solution that was not only fit-for-purpose and exceptionally durable, but would not disrupt the market’s day-to-day operations in the complex.

The ground floor of the market comprises a large trading hall with 98 stands and 30 shops, including two cafes; a number of individual cold rooms; a 1,500 tonne freezer store; an ice making plant and 14 lock-up shops.

Working closely with the Corporation of London and the installation team, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings delivered its renowned hygienic Resuthane TG69 system.

Resuthane TG69 surfaces are stable to steam cleaning and resistant to boiling water and process liquids up to 100 degrees centigrade when applied at 9mm nominal thickness. ResuthaneTG69 provides a matt, textured surface that is seamless and strong anti-slip properties.

Dale Banton, of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, said: “The technical team worked hard to fully understand the requirements of this sensitive food environment before choosing this system, and the research and development that went into this coating gave them the confidence of recommending it throughout. We’re not surprised it has lasted so well and still meets the original brief.

“This was chosen as the solution for a number of reasons. This coating system is highly durable, with anti-slip properties in wet and dry conditions and is easy to clean. It is also environmentally appealing with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and low odour.”

An average of 25,000 tonnes of seafood products are sold through Billingsgate’s merchants each year across an area of 13 acres used by processors, catering suppliers and merchants.