**Caerphilly’s Historic Market Paves Way for £21m Regeneration Scheme**
A significant transformation is taking place in the heart of Caerphilly, as demolition crews begin to tear down the town’s historic indoor market to make way for an ambitious multi-million-pound development. The once-bustling market on Pentrebane Street, a fixture in the community for nearly a century, closed its doors for the last time in January 2023, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the area.
The old market’s closure was met with sadness by many traders and local residents who remembered it as a vibrant commercial and social hub. Several former tenants expressed their disappointment at having to leave, explaining that business opportunities had become scarce since its closure. In the aftermath, some traders struggled to secure alternative sources of income, and neighbouring businesses found it increasingly difficult to attract sufficient footfall, resulting in difficult decisions about whether to relocate or close altogether.
The area’s decline soon became apparent, with reports of increased anti-social behaviour in the vacant market surrounds. Business owners on Pentrebane Street revealed they were losing hundreds of pounds each week in profits due to the deteriorating conditions, which further discouraged shoppers and visitors from venturing into the once-thriving part of town.
In response to calls for action and a growing desire for regeneration, local authorities secured planning and funding to redevelop the site. The demolition process marks the first phase of an extensive £21 million project, coordinated by Linc Cymru in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative.
Speaking about the development, Jayne Bryant, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for housing and local government, described the scheme as a pivotal milestone for Caerphilly’s future. Ms Bryant highlighted that around £6 million of the project’s funding has come from the Transforming Towns programme, underlining its importance to the region’s regeneration efforts. She stated, “This development will address much-needed housing in the town centre, provide new commercial space, and support the community by revitalising the high street.”
When completed, the site is expected to deliver 72 modern apartments and seven commercial units, alongside landscaped public areas designed to improve the town centre’s appeal and provide fresh opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Local authorities are keen to emphasise that the redevelopment forms a central part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan, aimed at creating a more vibrant, attractive, and sustainable urban centre.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, echoed these sentiments, explaining, “The demolition of the old market will create much-needed housing and an exciting mix of commercial and retail opportunities. Through our community engagement, we know these are top priorities for local people, and I’m delighted we’re able to deliver meaningful change through the Town 2035 plan.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the new project, some local voices remain cautious, reflecting on the disruptions caused by the market’s closure and the challenges that arose during the transition. For a number of traders, the move to the new Ffos Caerffili market on Cardiff Road, which opened in April 2024, has required significant adjustment and some have struggled to regain their former livelihoods.
Nonetheless, proponents of the redevelopment argue that the project represents an opportunity to breathe new life into Caerphilly’s town centre, reversing years of decline and forging a hopeful future for the area. As demolition proceeds, local stakeholders are watching closely, eager to see if the promises of regeneration and renewal can finally be realised.
With the focus now on delivering an improved living and shopping environment, many in Caerphilly will be watching with interest as the £21 million project unfolds over the coming months and years, hoping it will mark the start of a lasting revival for the town.