Funding has been secured to develop a new market in Caerphilly town centre. The plan is set to include 28 small commercial units, seven bars and restaurants, space for 15 pop-up stalls, room for outdoor music concerts and events and covered outdoor seating areas.
The market is described as “temporary” and will be located on Cardiff Road where the old Specsavers building once stood. The plot was originally earmarked for a boutique hotel.
The construction of the market is subject to a planning application which was submitted in October, It is yet to be decided. The funding has been awarded as part of Welsh Governments Transforming Towns Programme and is part of the council's ambitious multi-million pound blueprint for the town called the Caerphilly 2035 Place Making Programme.
Read more: Woman dies after dog attack in Caerphilly
It comes six months after traders at the original indoor market said they feared for their future after the council announced it would be demolished. Plans for the 100-year-old building will see its total redevelopment as well as the adjoining properties in Pentrebane Street. The space will be completely repurposed to make way for office space and around 74 flats, WalesOnline understands.
Deputy Leader of Council, Cllr Jamie Pritchard said, “This is welcome news, and demonstrates the commitment of both Caerphilly Council and Welsh Government to make significant investments in developing new business opportunities in Caerphilly. We now await the outcome of the Local Planning Authority’s determination of the planning application and look ahead to the future.” It is anticipated that the new market would open in early Summer 2023.
Read next:
- Warning to not feed birds at Caerphilly Castle after a number of swans and geese are found dead and 'sick'
- Transport for Wales agrees pay deal with rail unions
- The 100 coldest neighbourhoods in Wales where the poorest people live in the draughtiest homes
- The most expensive streets in Wales revealed
- Famous people who have died in 2022, from The Queen to Deborah James and Meat Loaf
