Two major milestones bring Caerphilly’s new market development one step closer, with the search for a market operator and formally welcoming expressions of interest from potential traders.
The search has begun for a market operator to manage the new Ffos Caerffili market, and with the market due to open this autumn, the council is now welcoming expressions of interest from local, independent businesses who are interested in securing a unit.
The container style market on Cardiff Road will bring an enhanced food and drink offer to the town, as well as a traditional market experience featuring fresh food and produce together with retail goods and services from independent traders. Plans also include a regular programme of events, pop-ups and travelling, specialist markets. The site will also include co-working office space for local Caerphilly entrepreneurs, sole-traders, and SMEs.
The project made possible through support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. The focus of the Programme is the diversification and sustainable growth of our town and city centres, through interventions that include improved biodiversity and green infrastructure; reuse of derelict buildings; increasing the variety of services on offer in towns and cities with an emphasis on flexible working and living space; and access to services and leisure.
Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr James Pritchard said:
“This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of this new venture in Caerphilly – the first tangible step in the Caerphilly 2035 plan.
“Following significant early interest, we are looking forward to formally receiving expressions of interest from potential vendors and operators.”
The Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity and green infrastructure, revitalising neglected properties, creating flexible working, and living spaces, and improving access to essential services.
Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, acknowledged the achievements of the Transforming Towns programme, saying, “Our Transforming Towns programme continues to deliver great results. The Transforming Towns Position Statement that we published earlier this year demonstrates our commitment and ambition to tackle the challenges and revitalise town centres across Wales, putting them at the heart of everything we do.”
The Market Operator, who will enter into a 3-year extendable agreement, will be responsible for a range of services across the operation of the market including designing and managing events which bring in the community, working closely with the traders, and day-to-day management.
