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Pop-up traders, supported by start-up hub Welsh ICE, are to be part of Caerphilly town’s new container-style market.

Ffos Caerffili is due to open on Friday March 15 with a total 28 spaces for traders. Companies already announced for the council-owned market include: Up Market Family Butchers, which will open a fishmonger’s; a new coffee place called Two Shot Social; Californian and Mexican-inspired street food outlet Bab Haus; Taiwanese street food place Bao Selecta; vintage and second-hand clothing shop The Circular Studio; and Joe’s Plant Place – which will hold regular green-fingered workshops.

Joining these will be Welsh ICE, which will be offering container space to local craft traders on flexible 28-day leases. The idea is to provide a stepping stone for businesses, allowing them to gauge market demand.

According to Welsh ICE, which is based on Caerphilly Business Park, the rental rates for the pop-up shops will be significantly discounted.

Tomas Phillips, head of commercial development at Welsh ICE, said: “The pop-up shop opportunities represent a tangible way for us to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the local economy.”

Since its inception in 2012, Welsh ICE has offered a range of resources including business courses, workshops, and coworking spaces. Caerphilly Observer was based there for ten years before we moved to Caerphilly Miners Centre.

In addition to the pop-up shops, Welsh ICE plan to use Ffos Caerffili for various events, including business networking sessions and support fairs.

Welsh ICE will also extend its expertise to other traders at Ffos Caerffili, providing them with business support and guidance to grow.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “Welsh ICE have a proven record of supporting businesses on their journey and this matches our focus on developing the private sector in our town centres. This is great news for the business community.”

For traders interested in the Welsh ICE pop-up shop initiative, please contact rachel@welshice.org or visit welshice.org/popup.

A full programme of events has been scheduled across Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, to celebrate the launch of the market, featuring live music, local school choirs and workshops led by traders.