Old Spitalfields Market, London

Old Spitalfields Market is the original East London marketplace. 44 retailers and restaurants, 88 market stalls and 25 street food traders under one Victorian Market roof at the heart of London’s most exciting neighbourhood. With 4 large open entrances, wind tunnelling and cross winds create uncomfortable environments for both residents and visitors to be.

Our projects team began to work with renowned Jestico + Whiles, in collaboration with historic buildings specialists Julian Harrap Architects, in addition with a local structural engineering company, JR had to work around the historical sensitive building conditions in not damaging the historical beams within the market. As an alternative to drilling and damaging these beams, we designed bespoke clamps to hold the blind within the designated in-situ.

At 8,400mm in width and 150kg in weight, installation of the blind was always going to prove to be a logistical and physical challenge. In addition to the fact that the market is open 7 days a week. We manufactured and tested the blind in our Bolton manufacturing plant using an aluminium cassette, a high quality 8% screen fabric and a tubular motor with a wind sensor to self-rise to minimise damage, on stormy days. After cordoning off the working area to accommodate our stringent health and safety requirements, installation began at 11pm once the market was fully closed and a combination of ropes and pulleys were used within the installation process. In addition, scissor lifts were required to achieve our successful goal of installing the blind. Steel guide wires attached to a 1 tonne stone slab, were also specified to minimise the blind from swaying. Installation took 2 nights and the blind is serviced and maintained by JR on an annual basis.

From initial concept and site meeting, through to installation and sign off, the project was completed within a four-week delivery. The market traders and diners instantly felt the benefits. The UK’s largest electric roller blind has done the job for what it was intended for!

James Robertshaw. We don’t just find the solution. We create it.

www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com