Covent Garden Barrows

The Covent Garden stalls, known as barrows, are a key part of the visual heritage of this iconic marketplace. With the original barrows in a state of disrepair, a contemporary solution was needed as part of the overall modernisation of Covent Garden.

millimeter worked collaboratively with PDP from a very early stage, consulting with traders, who were involved throughout the process. The new barrows had to retain the original character, while also meeting traders’ needs. Bespoke elements were added to individual barrels, tailored to the goods each traded.

It was a complex fabrication process – a large number of interrelated parts and materials coming together in a small space, within the confines of the aesthetic.

Details included folding counters, upper cover flaps, safe opening/closing sequences, secure locking and counter strength sufficient to cope with the weight of goods and customers leaning on them.