New pop-up shop opens this week as part of plan to tackle empty units

A plan to tackle empty shops in Bargoed begins this week. 

A new ‘Meanwhile Space’ will open at 28/29 High Street before the end of the week, according to Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The property will be ‘soft launched’, meaning people can see what to ‘expect from the space’ and ‘how to engage with it’.

A ‘Meanwhile Space’ is the temporary use of a vacant unit, similar to a pop-up.

The lot in Bargoed will run as a six-month pilot and be headed by Urban Foundry, a creative regeneration agency, which has set up a similar project in Swansea. 

Cllr Dawn Ingram-Jones, who represents Bargoed and Aberbargoed on the county council, has praised the new venture and said: “It will give entrepreneurs a base where they can test the water before deciding to open a shop in the town. 

“I wish all the traders well and hope that residents and visitors will support them. We will then be able to look forward to a more vibrant town centre.”

Caerphilly Observer asked Caerphilly County Borough Council what traders were signed up for the space. a spokesperson for the local authority told us: “A number of businesses have approached us with interest in the space, and discussions are currently ongoing with Welsh ICE regarding the day-to-day management.”

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, council deputy leader and cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and climate change, previously said: “We’re working to reduce empty buildings in our town centres, and as Bargoed has a higher number of vacant premises, this space has been recognised as an area for intervention.” 

This comes as several shops in Bargoed have already closed in 2024, including Gus Jones Jewellers – which had been in the town for more than 120 years. 

At a meeting in October at Jax Bar in Bargoed, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s town centre manager Jo-Hillier Raikes spoke about the concept.

She said the project would “bring a bit of vitality to the town,” and added that this would not only “test the market” but could also “encourage” other businesses. 

Those interested in having a spot at the Meanwhile Space can contact Ms Hillier-Raikes on raikej@caerphilly.gov.uk