New plans are underway to make Swansea Market yet more welcoming to shoppers and traders.
Swansea Council, which manages the large city centre facility, has started a process to update and improve the on-street public entrances.
Last week, the venue was crowned Britain’s best large indoor market in a national awards scheme run by trade body the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).
Market traders are being kept up to date on the proposed £240,000 improvements to the entrances. They’ll mean an improved look and better security.
Council joint deputy leader David Hopkins said: “As the council continues to deliver its £1bn city centre’s regeneration, the market remains a key destination for shoppers and visitors.
“It continues to help make the city centre a great place in which to live, shop, work, study and spend quality free time.
“We’re in the early stages of our plan to revamp the entrances. Traders will be involved and the public will be kept informed.
“This is also one of our announcements as part of the council’s new #24in24 campaign to show people all the positive things that are happening in our city throughout 2024 and beyond.”
Wayne Holmes, chair of the Swansea Market Traders Federation, said: “It’s great that the market entrances will be getting a new look; it’ll help make the market yet more appealing to shoppers and traders.”
After an extensive procurement process, the project contract has been awarded to South Wales-based, The Tangent Partnership Ltd.
Tangent director Mary Kerfoot said: “We’re passionate about delivering a creative solution for the new-look entrances which will be used by tens of thousands of people every week.”
Swansea Market has public on-street entrances in Whitewalls, Union Street and Oxford Street – plus an entrance from the Quadrant shopping centre.
It is hoped that the new-look entrances will be in place this year. During the work, the aim is to keep disruption to a minimum.
In recent years the council has invested in new public toilets at the award-winning market and introduced the Market Garden, a popular spot to eat, meet and enjoy events.
