Emotions ran high at Splott Market as stallholders prepared themselves for their final day of trading. The current market (its second iteration) is located on Titan Road in Cardiff and has been running for over 40 years, and on Sunday, August 28, it closed its doors for the final time.
Splott Market’s closure first became apparent earlier this year. It was confirmed that the site would become the new home of Willows High School, which is moving from its current building in Tremorfa. A statement from Splott Market’s management has said: "Once the new school has been built, there is a possibility the market can be held on the weekends at the school site."
The eventual closure of the market comes after the termination of another popular car boot sale in the city on Bessemer Road, which ran for 30 years. Cardiff Council purchased the site in 2021 and has rented it out to Splott Market on a 12-month lease, which has allowed time for the organisers to relocate, many of whom have now moved to Merthyr, according to traders. Get stories from Cardiff straight into your inbox by signing up for our CardiffOnline newsletter here.
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Following the announcement of Splott Market's closure, a spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: “The number of traders at Splott Market has decreased in recent years and many have not returned after the pandemic.
"As part of the acquisition of land at the site, the council granted a 12 month lease to allow time for any remaining traders to relocate to alternative trading premises.
"The former owner of the market has written to all traders to determine if there is an appetite to relocate the market and if there is enough demand, the council will provide support to find an alternative location. The council is also open to the operator returning to the site once the school is constructed."
Despite originally intending to close in March 2022, in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday, February 9, the market's operator announced that it would continue trading until the end of September and thereafter would "hopefully" remain open on a three-month rolling lease. Despite this, the decision was taken to officially close the market on Sunday, August 28.
Over the years, Splott Market has opened on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and offers customers a wide range of goods. During that time, people have been able to buy the likes of fruit/vegetables, fresh meat, clothing, shoes, handbags, toys and even household goods.
On the final day of trading, there was an overwhelming aura of sadness, as traders began to pack away their stock. These stall holders, who have spent most of their lives at the market, told WalesOnline of their uncertainty about what was next for them.
Massey Fisher, who has been working at both iterations of Splott Market for over 40 years, said: “It feels terrible. I’m gutted, upset and devastated. I’m 68 years old and I’m still working - that should explain how I’m feeling.” He added: “When they said that they were closing it in March, I went and bought a shop in Merthyr.”
"I've worked there for 20 years, so I'll miss the place but I also believe that as one door closes, another opens. Change can be a good thing," said Ozie, who rat Dodgy Ozie's at the market. He added: "Some of those people, I'll never see again unfortunately and some of those people were actually crying." Ozie described how he was a firm believer that without Splott Market, he would not have achieved the level of success that he has for his business.
Ralf, who began working at the market in 2010, expressed his immense sadness at the closure of Splott Market. He said: "It's a livelihood for many people," and called market traders, a "different breed" of people. After giving a thorough description of his many responsibilities as a market trader, Ralf said that he was determined to do whatever he could to save Splott Market.
Meanwhile, trader Charlie, who has been selling clothing since the market opened its doors, said: “You’re in a routine and now, that routine is broken.” He described how he was unsure about what was next for him and added: “Obviously with the Cost of Living and all these fuel prices going up, we’ll have to see how things will go next.”
“It’s a shame that it’s finishing,” trader Tom Huxtable echoed, “I just enjoy coming here and the customers more than anything else.” He was unable to pin point an exact favourite memory of working at the market but is thankful for the people that he has met over the years.
And it's not just traders who are gutted about Splott Market's closure. Esme Aviet, who has been attending the market for over 40 years, described how she was "disgusted" by Cardiff Council's decision to close Splott Market. She said: "I'm disgusted. I'm really annoyed and angry about it. [The market] is somewhere where people can go. It's a family day out for a lot of people and it helps the people who are down there to make some money."
Mahmood Ahmed, although sad that the Market was closing, said he was grateful for a rest and his retirement. He said: “For myself, I started in this Market 38 years ago and now, it’s the last day for me to retire.”
Do you have memories of going to Splott Market? Let us know in the comments. You can read all our Cardiff stories here.
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