It is not the writing on the wall for Pontypridd’s Market Quarter but a bold new piece of art, giving the area a fresh look and setting the tone for an exciting 2026 in the heart of the historic town centre.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Pontypridd Market Company, Pontypridd BID and Horan, the contractor leading the redevelopment of the former M&S site, worked together to fund, plan and deliver a shared vision for the town.
That vision has been brought to life by local artist Tee2Sugars, whose new mural celebrates the Market Quarter and everything it offers, including the much loved traditional faggots served by the Copper Kettle Café for the past 100 years.
Since 1805, a market has stood on the site of the current Market Quarter in Pontypridd. It began as a cattle market and developed to accommodate butchers, grocers and other food suppliers after the First World War.
Its rich, vibrant history has been protected and celebrated for over a Century as the Market Quarter underwent expansions and refurbishments to become the popular, unique attraction it is now.
Continuing to offer the traditional and ever-popular café meals and hot drinks, plus grocers, butchers, book stall, wool and craft stall and more, the Market Quarter is also home to award-winning restaurants and a huge range of traders.
With free parking in Pontypridd town centre after 10am every day for the rest of the year, get inspired and visit the Market Quarter for all your festive needs.
You can pick up veggies, meat and sweet treats for your Christmas meal, gifts for all the family, including baby clothes, toys and vinyl records, or spend time catching up with friends and loved ones.
Cllr Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “Everyone should know about the hidden gem that is Pontypridd Market Quarter, so we decided to make a statement no one can miss!
“It’s a great place to explore and filled with places to shop, relax and eat and, with free festive parking, there is no excuse not to pop into town and show your support to local shops and businesses.
“Our dedicated Town Centres Team works throughout the county borough to support, promote and develop our town centres and they worked to bring together the agencies and commission this work. We are grateful to everyone for their efforts, especially the brilliant Tee2Sugars.
“The mural celebrates the Market Quarter as loudly and proudly as we do! Our historic market has stood in Pontypridd for over 200 years and is the perfect fusion of history, nostalgia, modern design and a varied shopping and socialising experience. Cafes your grandparents or grandparents will remember stand alongside modern Indian, Thai and Italian street food. There is something for everyone. All local businesses and local people working to provide the very best for customers. The best part of the Market Quarter is that you never know what you will find – so why not pay it a visit!”
James Payne from Your Pontypridd BID said: “We are so proud of our town and all it has to offer and, standing proud in the heart of it is the Market Quarter.
“Tee2Sugars did an incredible job with his mural for the Eisteddfod, which really put Pontypridd on the map in 2023 and we were delighted to welcome him back to bring the vibe of the Market Quarter to life.
“His artwork, and his videos, have given everyone a peep into just how much there is on offer in Pontypridd and we would love to see people visiting and enjoying our town this Christmas. It’s important to Shop Local. ”
Rob Vickery from Horan added: “As the contractor developing the ambitious regeneration of the former M&S site, we know we are creating a stunning, modern, riverside space in Pontypridd for people to enjoy.
“We undertake our work surrounded by the history and culture of this wonderful town. We see it in the streets and the buildings, and we hear it from the people we meet and the partners we work with.
“Our support for the town does not stop at the delivery of this multi-million-pound regeneration. We are proud to be involved in the delivery of a project that not only celebrates the history of the Market Quarter, but also helps to promote it – and all it has to offer – now and in the future.
“The work of Tee2Sugars is guaranteed to draw attention and put a place on the map and the Market Quarter – and Pontypridd – deserves that.”
