Ffos Caerffili: Town’s new market set to open in the new year

The opening of Caerphilly’s new container-style market has been delayed until the new year.

The council-owned market, which will be called Ffos Caerffili, is now set to open on Cardiff Road in January.

It had previously been expected to open in September, but this was pushed back to November earlier this year, before the latest setback.

Caerphilly Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard said: “We have listened carefully to the feedback from the potential traders, as well as our market operator, and we fully agree that an opening date in January will be the sensible option.

“Our timeframes were ambitious to deliver this exciting new development, but it is important that we get everything right and launch the best market possible”.

Brigadoon Ffos Ltd has been awarded the contract to run the market, the council has confirmed.

The company, which was one of four to bid for the management responsibilities of the market, has a three-year agreement with the council, which can be extended by a further two years. The agreement is worth £705,000.

The market, which forms part of the council’s Caerphilly 2035 masterplan, will host 28 traders in total, including food and drink businesses, services.

It will also contain office space.

Work on the new market is expected to be completed in November, with an open day planned for prospective traders.

Grant Jones, operations director at Brigadoon Ffos Ltd, said: “We will bring our now-over 30 years of experience and expertise in managing venues, projects, events, markets, and property to the table and look forward to working with local traders, customers, and communities to produce a varied and unique offering in the heart of such a beautiful and historic town.”

Mr Jones said the company is now talking to local businesses who are “eager to join us in establishing a distinctive and modern site that will serve the community for many years to come”.