Neil Tomlinson is also working on the outline application for entire south London market site

Work has started on an outline planning application to revamp New Covent Garden Market in south London.

Owners of the 57-acre site at Nine Elms hope to build new facilities, designed by Foster + Partners and Neil Tomlinson Architects, for the 240 tenant companies at the fresh-produce trading centre.

The Covent Garden Market Authority said it would submit a planning application for the entire site and begin the search for a private development partner next year.

It is hoped that the redevelopment, to be named The Garden at New Covent Garden Market, will become a “food centre” for the capital.

The chairman of Covent Garden Market Authority, Brenda Dean, said: “The decision to prepare an outline planning application for the whole site is a major milestone and will help us fulfil our vision and commitment for the best of food and flowers in the heart of London.

“We are delighted to be working with such brilliant architects as Foster & Partners and Neil Tomlinson Architects and we look forward to continuing to engage with our tenants, the local community and others through the consultation process.”