Concerns Raised Over Smithfield Market Maintenance and Communication
Several traders at Smithfield Market have expressed concerns regarding the upkeep of the building and a perceived lack of communication from Belfast City Council.
Issues such as dirty windows, broken lighting, and insufficient engagement from the council have been highlighted by market traders.
Smithfield Market was established in 1848 on the site previously used for trading corn and hides. Although it was firebombed in 1974, the market was subsequently rebuilt.
Some traders have described the site as rundown and feel it has become an "afterthought" for the council.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Council stated that their "markets team maintains regular, active engagement with Smithfield traders to collaborate on the upkeep and maintenance of the site."
All 27 units within the market are currently occupied. However, a visit during a weekday mid-morning in the summer holidays reveals low foot traffic and a tired, dated building in need of attention. Traders have been requesting improvements for some time.
'Outside is so dirty'
Ryan Gilmore, owner of the football memorabilia shop NI Clasico, has operated at the market intermittently since 2019. He shared his frustrations with the council on social media.
"Nothing's really changed," Gilmore said. "If the shutters outside were painted and the building is clean it would be a lot more appealing for you walking down the street to go 'I wonder what's in there'."
He noted that many of the issues are relatively simple to fix.
"I think that's where the frustration comes from because, yes we're asking them to spend some money on repairs, I understand that, and I understand budgets are potentially tight for them, but it's their building and they should have a budget to maintain it," he added.
Gilmore has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Belfast City Council, stating that the council is not engaging with traders, although some "minimal cleaning" has been conducted since he initially raised concerns.
Alan Taylor, owner of Coffee & Heroes, which has been in Smithfield for nearly ten years, echoed similar concerns.
Taylor opened the café and comic book shop due to fond childhood memories of the market.
"In general, Smithfield has been good to us, but there's definitely a sense of being slightly ignored, certainly when it comes to other markets in Belfast or other places.
"You look at the outside of the building, you look at some of the issues there, but you try make a place where people want to come to and you know go from there."
Taylor suggested that a "tiny bit of advertising, a tiny coat of paint" could enhance the market's appeal.
He also expressed the view that the council has a responsibility which it is "not particularly" fulfilling.
"The last meeting we had was around two years ago and that was to let us know there were rent increases and there were three units went out of business within three months of that.
"As long as you pay your rent, you literally do not hear a word from the council."
Maintenance Concerns from Longstanding Traders
Gary McCann, whose family has operated McCann's Army Surplus Shop in the market for three generations, stated that Smithfield is "the worst it's ever been."
He described the limited support from the council and the deteriorating conditions.
"They do very little for us here and recently nearly everything that could be broken, is broken.
"Last year during the winter all four lights in our corridor were off making us look like we were shut down. Wi-fi doesn't work. There was no hot water in the toilets for a while and these are fairly important things, but never mind the fact that the whole building is run down," he said.
McCann added that the council does not spend money on maintenance and rarely engages with traders.
"It's poorly managed and the footfall is almost non-existent," McCann said.
"This place has some very interesting shops that aren't in the rest of Belfast. You know these people need these jobs to pay a mortgage.
"It's a great space to get out of the community and it's lovely. I like working here. We've worked here for a very long time.
"I know council is a hard thing to run. I understand that. But I'd just love them to take a little bit more interested in it."
Belfast City Council Response
In response, Belfast City Council reiterated its commitment to Smithfield Market, describing it as an asset to the city's retail heritage.
The council stated that tenant feedback is taken seriously and informs ongoing improvements.
"While historic indoor markets present unique operational challenges, our maintenance teams are actively addressing immediate issues, including external weeding, deep cleaning, and structural upkeep," the statement said.
It added that the council values its partnership with traders and will continue to work closely with them to ensure Smithfield Market remains a welcoming destination for local shoppers and visitors.
Calls for Improved Communication
Green Party councillor Brian Smyth commented on the situation, noting progress made at St George's Market but expressing concern that Smithfield has been neglected.
Smyth highlighted ongoing projects in Belfast city centre and suggested that the area around Smithfield Market has been overlooked.
"There are some fantastic little places in there and I think that it needs a little bit of love," Smyth said.
