**Major Regeneration Underway as Former Caerphilly Indoor Market Makes Way for £21 Million Mixed-Use Development**
Transformation is afoot in the heart of Caerphilly, as demolition crews have moved in on the town’s former indoor market to pave the way for a substantial new regeneration scheme. The long-standing structure on Pentrebane Street, which was once a bustling centre of local commerce, is being redeveloped into a significant mixed-use project boasting new residential, commercial, and public spaces.
The £21 million initiative is being delivered by Linc Cymru, part of the wider Pobl Group, in collaboration with Caerphilly County Borough Council and is receiving critical funding through the Welsh Government’s ‘Transforming Towns’ programme. The investment signals a broader commitment to reinvigorate Caerphilly’s town centre, aiming to create a vibrant and inclusive hub that meets current and future community needs.
At the core of this development are plans for 72 modern apartments, expertly integrated into the site to provide much-needed homes at the centre of the town. The scheme also encompasses seven contemporary commercial units intended to attract a diverse array of businesses, breathing new energy into the local economy. In addition, thoughtfully designed public spaces will ensure that the development is not only a place to live and work but also a destination for leisure and social interaction.
Welcoming the start of demolition and the ambitious plans for town centre renewal, Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, emphasised the strategic importance of the project. “This milestone is pivotal in progressing our vision for Caerphilly’s future. With around £6 million invested from the Transforming Towns fund, we will address the demand for central housing, support business growth, and restore vibrancy to our high street,” she said.
Local elected representatives have echoed this enthusiasm. Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, voiced his delight at seeing the project advance. He highlighted the benefits not just for prospective homeowners and businesses, but for the wider community, stating, “By replacing the old market with a dynamic mix of residential, retail, and open spaces, we are creating opportunities for more people to make Caerphilly their home and workplace. Our extensive public consultations have made it clear that new housing and commercial options are a priority, and this project helps us deliver for our residents as set out in the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking vision.”
Indeed, the replacement of the former market marks a tangible shift in Caerphilly’s approach to town centre planning. The decision to blend homes, retail, and public areas addresses multiple issues raised over years of community engagement—namely, the need for affordable and attractive urban living and the desire to see the high street’s vitality restored.
Grant Prosser, head of development (east) for Pobl Group, remarked on the significance of the project milestones. “Watching the demolition begin at Pentrebane Street signals the transformation of this important town centre location. Once the site is prepared, our focus will be on creating a new community with high-quality homes, lively business spaces, and shared green areas. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging, connection, and well-being,” he explained.
The project’s broader impact is likely to extend beyond just bricks and mortar. Towns across Wales have faced challenges brought by high street decline, changing retail patterns, and shifting population needs. Developments of this nature, which anchor residential accommodation alongside commercial and shared spaces, are increasingly viewed as blueprints for sustainable urban renewal.
Local residents and traders will be watching closely as work progresses, hopeful that the scheme will bring increased footfall and fresh opportunities. For the hundreds of people and families expected to make their homes in the new apartments, and the businesses that will set up shop in the commercial units, Caerphilly’s centre is set for a considerable transformation in the years ahead.
As regeneration efforts continue, both council and government officials have stressed their commitment to ensuring the scheme contributes long-term value, not just in terms of economic development but also in fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the community. The former market’s transformation marks a new chapter in Caerphilly’s evolving story, one shaped by collaboration, ambition, and local aspirations.