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Caerphilly town’s new container-style market has had its opening delayed once again, but traders due to move in are optimistic about the beleaguered project’s future.

The council-owned market, called Ffos Caerffili, had been scheduled to open on Cardiff Road this month. It had originally been expected to open in September last year, but was pushed back to November, then January, and now March – a full six months late.

However, a firm opening date of Friday March 15 has been confirmed with a grand opening planned.

As recently as this month, Caerphilly County Borough Council had maintained it was aiming to open Ffos Caerffili by the end of January – despite the site looking far from finished.

In November last year, Caerphilly Observer revealed the £4.65 million development had suffered delays due to problems connecting it to the town’s sewer. The project is also likely to be overbudget, according to a response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by Plaid Cymru.

The council said “additional external funding” had been secured for the market’s completion.

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of the council said: “A number of difficult challenges have been overcome to develop Ffos Caerffili, but I am pleased that an official opening date has now been set.

“This development will create 40 to 50 jobs, will add footfall to the town and provide a
whole new experience for people coming to Caerphilly.

“Ffos Caerffili will be a new attraction in the town centre, providing opportunities to meet, shop and work in the heart of Caerphilly. We’re all excited to show our support to the new traders and wish them every success for the future.”

Traders upbeat about future

A total of 28 traders will be at Ffos Caerffili, ranging from retailers and food and drink outlets to office space.

Among the traders announced include Cath and Paul Livermore from Up Market Family Butchers. They were previously based at the old indoor market on Pentrebane Street, before moving to Bartlett Street when the market closed. At Ffos Caerffili they will be opening a fishmonger’s.

Cath said: “Ffos Caerffili is the ideal place to launch a new side to our business. The opening of the market gives the town we love so much a fantastic opportunity for a bit of a fresh start.

“We’re really excited to join forces with so many other local businesses and bring something new to Caerphilly.”

Joining the Livermores will be Bedwas-based Bab Haus, which will be opening its fourth Californian and Mexican-inspired street food outlet, joining its venues in Newport, Barry and Bedwas House Industrial Estate.

Opened by chef Leyli Homayoonfar in 2018, Bab Haus has built up a national reputation for its food.

Leyli said: “We’re so excited to open at Ffos Caerffili – the views from our unit to the castle are incredible.

“During lockdown, our Bedwas kitchen was the only one allowed to open for home delivery meal kits, and we’ve always been so welcomed by the people here in Caerphilly.

“I’ve been waiting for the right time to bring something more permanent to the town, and Ffos Caerffili is the perfect opportunity to bring Bab Haus to the community that has supported us so well.”

Other businesses taking up residence at Ffos Caerffili include Two Shot Social, a new coffee and brunch venture from Caerphilly-born-and-bred childhood friends Daf Carter and Ian Butterworth

Daf said: “It’s having the chance to give back to our local community that attracted us to Ffos Caerffili.

“We’ve already seen so many improvements to Caerphilly since the regeneration project started, and we’re really excited to be part of it and bring something fresh, new, and modern to our hometown.”

Caerphilly 2035

Ffos Caerffili is one of a number of projects forms part of the council’s Caerphilly 2035 regeneration project.

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).

In addition to the new market, there are plans for a new leisure centre near Caerphilly Business Park and a major new railway station. Caerphilly Castle is also undergoing a £10m project to attract more tourists.

The site of the old indoor market, on Pentrebane Street, has been earmarked for a new housing development from Linc Cymru, and there are early plans for a hotel on Cardiff Road overlooking the castle.