Installing a Hygienic, Anti-Slip Flooring System for the UK's Largest Fish Market

The Challenge: Delivering a Long-Lasting Anti-Slip Flooring System for a 13-Acre Food Market

Billingsgate Market—the UK’s largest inland fish market—required a rapid yet robust flooring solution that would deliver exceptional durability without disrupting daily operations. The project involved resurfacing the entire 13-acre ground floor of the self-contained market complex. This extensive site includes a large trading hall with 98 stands and 30 shops, two cafés, multiple individual cold rooms, a 1,500-tonne freezer store, an ice-making facility and 14 lock-up units.

Given the nature of the environment, hygiene, safety and reliability were critical. The technical team carried out a thorough assessment of the market’s operational demands, ensuring the chosen system would withstand wet conditions, heavy footfall and continuous handling of goods. Their detailed research and understanding of the food industry’s stringent requirements gave them confidence in selecting a solution that would maintain long-term performance.

The existing substrate was concrete throughout, and the priority was to install a floor that actively supported a food-safe environment with outstanding wear resistance and dependable anti-slip performance in both wet and dry conditions.

The Solution: Polyurethane Screed Flooring Engineered for Heavy-Duty Food Processing and Market Conditions

The flooring system needed to comply with rigorous environmental standards and health and safety regulations across the vast site, owned by the Corporation of London. With strict operational requirements and a demanding installation brief, the technical team collaborated closely with both the client and installer to ensure the correct system specification.

Sherwin-Williams supplied a water-based polyurethane concrete resin screed designed specifically for heavy-duty food industry environments. Installed more than a decade ago, the system has continued to demonstrate why it remains a trusted choice across the food and drink sector. The Forest Green finish still presents a clean, bright appearance beneath the constant movement of workers, traders and equipment, confirming the flooring’s long-standing resilience and reliability.

The Results: A Seamless, Hygienic, High Performance Floor Built for Long-Term Food Market Use

Over ten years later, the polyurethane screed flooring continues to operate flawlessly under the pressures of daily market activity. It withstands constant pallet-truck traffic, intensive cleaning routines and significant footfall without compromising performance.

Its seamless construction eliminates dirt traps, supports hygienic operations and maintains excellent slip resistance even in consistently wet conditions. The result is a durable, food-safe surface that protects staff and visitors while providing a reliable foundation for the demanding operations of one of the country’s busiest food markets.