Ffos Caerffili container market project suffers sewer connection problems

The construction of Caerphilly’s new multimillion pound container-style market has suffered delays due to problems connecting it to the town’s sewer.

Despite the issue, Caerphilly Observer understands the market would have been ready for a pre-Christmas opening. Potential traders were keen to avoid the disruption of moving during the run-up to Christmas and the decision was made to delay.

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, and then November earlier this year, before the latest delay.

A Freedom of Information request from the opposing Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly County Borough Council has also revealed the £4.65 million project is likely to go over budget – although extra funding has been secured.

Caerphilly Observer confirmed the sewer connection problems with Welsh Water.

A spokesman explained: “We are aware of the Ffos Caerffili application and have been liaising with the council about the plans.

“The original planning application proposals showed that the surface water flows generated from the site would run to the highway drain but since planning permission has been granted, there has been a request for the surface water to enter the public sewer. 

“In assessing any connection request to our system, we always have to ensure that the proposed connection doesn’t have a detrimental effect on the existing services we provide in an area.  

“We will continue to liaise with all parties to help them find the most sustainable way of managing the surface water from the site.”

Plaid Cymru’s Freedom of Information request to the local authority asked questions about the delay and any overspend.

In its response, the council said: “There have been some delays experienced in resolving the connection to the sewers, but the decision to delay the opening was taken in consultation with the newly appointed market operator following his discussions with traders.”

Regarding an overspend, it said: “The council has secured additional external funding for the project that has enabled works to be delivered within the current construction contract.

“There will be some additional costs due to the drainage issues and the extension of the contract and this is being agreed with the contractor currently.”

Councillor Lindsay Whittle, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “Quite how an issue over the sewers was not resolved at the very start before work was started is frankly baffling. This failure has obviously added to the costs the contractor will charge for completing the work.”

He added: “I was very surprised when the council announced that the market would not be open before Christmas because the three months before Christmas are normally the ones that businesses make the vast majority of their annual profits. Now we know the real reason for the delayed business.

“I wish the traders and the market every success despite the issues surrounding it and I’ll be supporting it.”

In a recent post on Facebook, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for regeneration, said: “The new market in the centre of town is well under construction.

“The proposed mixed-use development is anticipated to provide between 40 to 50 much-needed jobs. The market will also enhance the diversity of commercial uses within the town centre.

“This is a public sector investment in private sector employment.”

He added: “The overwhelming consensus has been in support of the opportunities, footfall and employment it will create. What residents can not stand is when political parties are constantly negative about the town of Caerphilly. There is no need to oppose everything about a project, purely due to a dislike for the other party. Politics should not be as childish as this.”

A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “It is not unusual for plans to change during a construction project. The original drainage plans required amendment due to practical issues discovered during more detailed survey work undertaken.

“We welcome Welsh Water’s cooperation in supporting the council in finding a sustainable solution to the matter.”

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

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.

Funding for the market is split between the council (£1.25 million), the Welsh Government (£2.69m) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£700,000).

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”.