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The opening of Caerphilly town’s new container-style market has been delayed again just days before it was due to be unveiled to the public.

Ffos Caerffili had been due to open on Friday March 15, but recent rain holding up building work has been blamed for the latest postponement – the project’s fourth.

A new date has yet to be announced but it is anticipated the market could be open early April.

Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The council very much regrets the delay and we appreciate this is disappointing news for the whole community.

“Unfortunately, the high level of rainfall we have experienced has had a significant impact on the completion of the works. I’m sure residents will understand that we must ensure that the site is safe and fully accessible before we can open the doors to the public.

“The colourful container-style market will be a vibrant new focal point for the town and the contractors are working hard to get the scheme completed as quickly as possible alongside the market operators and our local traders.”

Ffos Caerffili, had originally been scheduled to open on Cardiff Road in September last year. It was then pushed back to November, then January, then March, and now April.

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

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.