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The flagship of the council’s Caerphilly 2035 redevelopment project, Ffos Caerffili was meant to herald the rebirth of the town, drawing in tourists and residents alike.

While other media outlets proclaimed it has “changed the face of the town”, it’s fair to say the overall reception has been somewhat mixed.

However, new operators have now been chosen to run the container-style market under a new business model which it is hoped will turnaround the fortunes of the venue – which cost the public purse in excess £5 million to build.

Caerphilly-based companies TownSq and Crafty Legs – which crucially have experience in running shared workspaces and markets – will take over the running of Ffos later this month.

Gareth Jones, TownSq founder and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have been named as the preferred bidder to operate Ffos Caerffili.

“We’ve been successful in setting up, leading, and managing spaces for traders, and SMEs to grow and develop for well over a decade, all from our Caerphilly HQ, but more importantly, as Caerphilly residents, we’re determined to see Ffos Caerffili become a long-term success.”

Sarah Harris-Clint, owner of Crafty Legs added: “We’ve got stacks of ideas and projects already well underway that we’re excited to start to share, and we hope that everyone will see our passion and enthusiasm for Caerphilly borough in everything we do.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council began the process to find a new operator in May this year.

Caerphilly Observer understands that several of the original traders at the market when it opened in April 2024 – after a six-month building delay – were not happy with how it was run by previous operators Brigadoon Ffos Ltd.

Some advertised events didn’t run, and there was a general feeling that not enough was being done to promote the market on a day-to-day basis.

Fundamental problems associated with Ffos Caerfilli now seem to be recognised by the council, which activated a break clause with Brigadoon Ffos after just a year.

Under the previous financial arrangement, Brigadoon Ffos received a flat management fee of £141,000 a year with revenue from tenants going to Caerphilly Council.

According to figures provided by the local authority, the first year saw £235,000 flow to the council – a ‘profit’ of £94,000, once the management fee was taken into account.

Under the new scheme, the council will rent out the site to a new operators and collect a flat fee from them, with the operators making its money from tenants.

Under this arrangement, the council is hoping to get a steady, predictable, revenue stream from the market. It is now in the interests of the new operators to make Ffos as attractive as possible, as its bottomline is directly linked to its success.

Anyone who has been to Ffos with the sun shining will tell you its location is stunning. 

Despite identity issues of not knowing whether it’s a market or a food hall, there is an unmistakable vibe to the venue when the going is good.

Poor weather – be that rain, wind, or cold – is often the venue’s undoing and it has been known to close early on a dark, cold, Friday night, when other bars and pubs seem to be full.

To rectify this the council recently agreed to spend £45,000 of UK Government money on a “winter protection project” to protect customers from the elements more effectively and a further £40,000 on “Market Operator Support” – funding for a member of staff.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The new management are local, positive, and keen to offer a great experience for residents and traders at Ffos Caerffili.

“This is an exciting development, and good news for the town. Since its opening in April 2024, Ffos Caerffili has welcomed many people and symbolises the town’s bright future.”