Revamp plans for ‘awesome’ indoor market
PLANS to revamp a long-standing market are gathering pace – just months after councillors called for urgent action to revitalise it.
In June, a report by officers went before Bridgend County Borough Council’s (BCBC) cabinet which urged “radical and prompt” action for Bridgend Indoor Market.
Growing numbers of traders were leaving over high rents and the market was no longer sustainable.
But since plans were agreed to drop rent rates, spend money on an uplift, and create a space for a play area, seating and events, businesses have been signing up.
Among the new businesses in the market are those selling vintage vinyl, protein health food, and Welsh gifts as well as boutique fashions and specialist wool and knitting supplies.
Lucas Logan, who set up Power Meals in January with help from Bridgend College and a grant from Business Wales, had previously been based on the Bridgend Industrial Estate but decided to move to the indoor market when he saw an article on the cut rates.
Customers can choose from a range of bases, proteins and healthy extras.
He said his sales have doubled as a result of being in town with the most popular dish being spicy rice with fajita chicken, broccoli and sweetcorn.
His girlfriend Jess Morgan who helps out on busy days said: “It’s awesome here.
“There’s a car park opposite so it’s easily accessible and there’s lots more passing trade.
“The new improvements great, especially the play area.”
Charlie Smith’s Music 33 opened earlier this week.
Buying and selling new and secondhand vinyl, CDs, cassettes and music memorabilia, Charlie has spent the last few years doing record fairs all over the country.
He said: “We just thought we would have a crack at doing something different which is more local and hopefully save travelling all around.
“There’s no-one else in Bridgend offering the same service and so far the reaction has been very positive.
“Lowering the rates did make a difference – we were trying to find somewhere suitable and the High Street rates were too high to start off with.”
More established traders say the market revamp has been a long time coming.
Kim York from Snack Shack, which has been based in the market for 16 years, said: “The uplift is definitely will be shop needed – the council is obviously trying to increase footfall in here.”
Michele Chambers, chairman of the market traders association and owner of the jewellery shop Masfina, said: “Everybody fells very positive about the market and the new traders coming in.
“The market vibrant.
“The changes being made are going to make the two entrances a lot more welcoming.
“We just want to create a nicer place for people to shop.”
Cabinet member for regeneration and education Charles Smith said there was strong interest in the remaining five available stalls.
He said: “In June we promised to take radical action to bring the buzz and vibrancy back to the indoor market and I am delighted to see how our plans are starting to deliver positive results within just a few short months.
“Market traders, the Rhiw Shopping Centre, Bridgend Town Council, the CF31 business improvement group, Watts and Morgan, local elected members and Bridgend County Borough Council have all worked closely together to tackle the unique challenges that this project has posed.”
The new rent system and flexible lease terms are in place for new stallholders while existing stallholders are benefiting from significant rent reductions until April 2020.
The plans for the exterior of the market involve an installation of a series of illustrative panels which will advertise some of the available stalls and provide information about its history. is certainly more