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Work on the new flower market has begun 

The move date for New Covent Garden Market flower wholesalers has been pushed back from 9 January to 27 February to ensure there is no disruption caused by overrunning work.

Traders will move over the weekend 25-26 February and will be ready to open for business on Monday 27 February 2017. The date has been picked to ensure businesses have enough time after the peak business occasion of Valentine’s Day and before Mother’s Day.

“Thames Water need to access the Flower Market’s new site near our main entrance for investigations. We’re worried these works could over-run and delay construction on the new building. We want to be absolutely certain there will be nothing to prevent a smooth move,” Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) said.

“We’re sorry we have to move the date again and for any of your plans that may need to change because of it. It will be an exciting move, but it’s vital we have the time we need to get it right.”

The new move date means there will be access to the building for a longer period before the move, giving more time for pre-move preparations, CGMA said.

Work has started on the new flower market with a steel structure being put in place, and concrete floors set to be laid.