MM Ilford
Project:
Mercato Metropolitano Ilford β Community Food Market Construction.
Scope of Work:
Comprehensive construction of a purpose-built, extensive food market on a former car park, encompassing groundworks and the establishment of a new substation.β
Building Specification:
Project Overview:
Mercato Metropolitano Ilford is a new community food market and cultural hub located in Ilford Town Centre. The project emphasises circular economy principles, featuring a demountable timber frame that sequesters carbon. Supported by the Greater London Authorityβs Good Growth Fund in collaboration with Redbridge Councilβs regeneration initiative, Spark Ilford, the market is situated on a previously underutilised surface car park.
OYSTER’s Involvement:
OYSTER has been integrally involved in the project from its inception, undertaking a comprehensive range of construction activities, including:β
- Initial Works: Groundworks, drainage systems, and foundation pads.β
- Structural Elements: Installation of the demountable timber frame, single-ply roofing, asphalt paving, polycarbonate faΓ§ade cladding, and parapets.β
- Electrical Infrastructure: Construction of a new substation equipped with main boards and distribution boards.β
- Facilities and Outbuildings: Development of all necessary facilities and ancillary structures.β
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP): Comprehensive MEP installations to support market operations.β
- Custom Features: Fabrication and installation of bespoke canopies, ventilation fans, Ansul fire suppression systems, double-skin insulated flues, and attenuators.β
- Interior Work: Carpentry and various interior installations.β
- Market Amenities: Construction of two fully equipped bars, 23 individual kiosks, and communal areas to enhance the market’s functionality and visitor experience.β
Community Impact:
The opening of Mercato Metropolitano Ilford has significantly contributed to the local economy by creating approximately 100 new jobs. The market serves as a platform for first-time traders, including graduates from Mercato’s Dream campaign, which supports new food entrepreneurs by offering three-month, rent-free tenures. This initiative aligns with Redbridge Council’s “Ilford for All” Manifesto, aiming to regenerate the area and boost local employment. β
Design and Sustainability:
The market’s design incorporates circular economy principles, focusing on sustainability and flexibility. The timber structure is designed in modular, re-deployable sections, allowing for disassembly and reconfiguration on future sites. Materials and resources are utilised efficiently, with bolted connections and mechanically fixed cladding and waterproofing systems enabling easy maintenance and minimal waste. β
Conclusion:
The Mercato Metropolitano Ilford project exemplifies a successful collaboration between OYSTER, Mercato Metropolitano, and local authorities to create a sustainable, community-focused food market. OYSTER’s comprehensive involvement from the project’s inception ensured the delivery of a high-quality venue that not only revitalises a previously neglected area but also fosters economic growth and community engagement in Ilford Town Centre.
Mercato Metropolitano has unveiled a vibrant community food market and cultural hub in Ilford Town Centre, transforming a previously underutilised car park into a bustling destination. Central to the project’s design are circular economy principles, exemplified by a demountable timber frame that sequesters carbon. This innovative structure is both modular and flexible, allowing for disassembly and potential relocation to future sites, thereby minimising environmental impact. β
Supported by the Greater London Authority’s Good Growth Fund and Redbridge Council’s Spark Ilford regeneration initiative, this market aims to revitalise the local area over its five-year tenure. The development not only offers a variety of global cuisines but also serves as a platform for local growers and start-up food enterprises, fostering community engagement and economic growth. β
OYSTER has been integrally involved in this project from its inception, undertaking comprehensive groundwork that included drainage and the construction of foundation pads. Their responsibilities expanded to encompass the installation of the timber frame, single-ply roofing, asphalt paving, and polycarbonate faΓ§ade cladding. Additionally, OYSTER managed the construction of parapets, a new substation equipped with main and distribution boards, and various ancillary facilities and outbuildings. The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works were also within their purview, alongside the creation of custom-made canopies, installation of ventilation systems, Ansul fire suppression systems, double-skin insulated flues, attenuators, and carpentry elements. The completed market features two fully equipped bars and 23 individual kiosks, underscoring OYSTER’s extensive capabilities and commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure.β
This collaborative effort has resulted in a dynamic space that not only offers diverse culinary options but also acts as a catalyst for local economic development and community cohesion. By prioritising sustainability and adaptability, the Mercato Metropolitano Ilford project sets a benchmark for future urban regeneration initiatives.