A provisional opening date for the redeveloped Newport Market has been announced.
The Grade-II listed market has been undergoing a multi-million revamp this year, with developers Loft Co aiming to create a "market for the 21st century".
It has now been confirmed that the refurbished market, which will cost between five and six million, will provisionally open on March 11.
A host of traders who will be in the market have also been announced, including Bristol-based Seven Lucky Gods, Cardiff bakery Friends in Knead and Penarth-based Rogue Welsh Cake Company.
It comes after WalesOnline took a first look inside the market back in October. See how the development is shaping up so far here.
When completed it will include a food court and bar on the ground floor, 70 workspaces, refurbished market stalls, a gym and a rooftop garden.
Lifestyle units on the market’s mezzanine first floor will also include spaces for barbers, hairdressers, nail bars, podiatrists and physiotherapists.
The revamp will retain many of the market's most historic elements including its stained glass window and recognisable roof, but much of it has been totally modernised.
The ground floor will host a food court with 10 traders, which will be open five days a week. During the evenings it will become a bookable restaurant, and the ground floor will have capacity for around 400 people in total.
Here are some of the exciting traders you can see in the new-look market.
With around 100 traders in total set to occupy the market, more will be announced in due course.
Flour & Ash
Based in Bristol, Flour & Ash have earned rave reviews for their wood-fired sourdough pizza since opening on Whiteladies Road in 2014, including from journalist and food critic Jay Rayner.
Their stall in the market will be their first in Newport, and you can find out more about them here.
Rogue Welsh Cake Company
Mother-son business the Rogue Welsh Cake Company from Penarth are billed as offering "Welsh cakes but with a twist", from chocolate and salted caramel to cheese and leek.
They are regularly found in markets across south Wales and will be making their "biggest leap so far" when they open a stall in Newport Market in March.
Find out more about them here.
Dirty Gnocchi
Italian street food vendor Dirty Gnocchi are well-known around the likes of Corporation Yard and other south Wales sites for their deep-fried gnocchi, homemade pasta, giant cheese wheel and arancini.
Another first-timer in Newport, you can find out more about them here.
Deli Bach
Llandaff-based Deli Bach serve up exclusively Welsh produce and their second store, based in the market, will specialise in Welsh food and drink including cheese, charcuterie, wine, beer, chocolate and much more.
Learn more about them here.
Little Acorns at Home
Home decor and lifestyle store Little Acorns at Home offer "all the new season's trends in homeware" and will be opening their store in their hometown of Newport in March.
Check them out here where you'll find everything from flower pots to candles and China trinket dishes.
Rae Barton Fruit & Veg
Richard Soar runs Rae Barton Fruit & Veg, which has been a mainstay in the market for more than 100 years.
The stall's return to the revamped market was announced back in October, and Richard said at the time that Newport market "has always been like a little family, and I think with all the new and returning businesses it’ll be like that again.
"When we re-open, we’ll be looking at our opening hours and hopefully take advantage of the longer hours."
Find out more here.
The Greedy Bear
Based in Cardiff's popular DEPOT, The Greedy Bear specialises in pan-Asian-inspired burgers and baos, and will also be offering rice bowls, noodles and small plates from their new stall in Newport.
Find out more about them here.
Ashwell & Co
Bristol-based couple Kate and Will Ashwell have been running Heartfelt Vintage, recently rebranded as Ashwell & Co, since 2014. Their Clifton shop combines a popular tearoom run by baker Will, and vintage fashion and bridalwear with Kate in charge.
Also announced back in October, Kate said opening a shop in the market "makes a lot of sense".
"We wanted our next shop to be somewhere in the centre of things and that is what we will have at the market."
SUPA Thai Vegan
Boasting "100% vegan Thai comfort food from Bangkok to Newport", SUPA Thai Vegan run collections and delivery but their market stall will be their first physical outlet.
Find out more about them here.
The Cheesecake Guy
Based in Merthyr Tydfil, The Cheesecake Guy has announced their second shop to be located in Newport Market, so you'll be able to get your filled cheesecake croissants closer to home.
Find out more about them here.
Friendly Neighbourhood Comics
Tim Rees started running Friendly Neighbourhood Comics at the market in November 2017. He has been running his business from home and online since the refurbishment and the pandemic, and in October he said he was excited to return to the market.
"I’ve always been 100% behind the development. The potential is enormous," he said.
"I see what is happening as not just a physical regeneration but the rebirth of the market for the 21st century, and being part of it is an amazing opportunity for me."
Find out more here.
Academy Coffee/Cocktail Bar
Academy Coffee already have a number of locations such as Academy@Platform in Cardiff, and Academy Espresso Bar and Academy 297 rooftop bar, both in Barry. Their latest venture will be a coffee and cocktail bar in Newport Market on March.
Find out more about them here.
Friends in Knead
Popular Cardiff bakery Friends in Knead recently opened their latest location in Castle Arcade, adding to their existing shops in Roath and Barry.
The bakery has some incredible cakes and pastries and is sure to be a hit in Newport too. Find out more about them here.
Seven Lucky Gods
Bristol-based Seven Lucky Gods offers contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine like sushi, Asian-themed small plates and drinks.
From the team behind Hyde & Co, The Milk Thistle, The Ox, Bambalan and Four Wise Monkeys, the outlet will be opening in Newport for the first time in March. Find out more about them here.
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