Artisan market and art space plan for town

A MARKET similar to London’s popular Borough Market is planned for a Valleys town.

Blackwood market is set to undergo a major overhaul and the new “artisan” venue will be dedicated to independent traders.

It will include 21 new retail units, while the current open-air market area will be redeveloped.

There will be a food and drinks quarter which would serve vegetarian/vegan, Asian street food, artisan coffees and home-made cakes and wine and tapas.

There will also be spaces for antiques and an artists’ quarter.

The existing public thoroughfare, which is currently locked at night, would be permanently open, allowing businesses to stay open later.

As part of the proposals, 43 oneand two-bed apartments could be built on the site of the former Somerfield supermarket, which would be partially demolished.

A planning report compiled by developers FCFM said: “The retail offer in town centres and high street locations across the UK has changed in recent years, this has been brought about by the ongoing rise in internet shopping and the high cost of operating traditional retail premises.

“As evidenced by increasing numbers of farmers’ markets, home-based retailers and ‘pop up’ retail businesses, there is a growing demand from budding entrepreneurs and start up business as well as the general public for an alternative to the increasingly homogenised high street retail experiences.”

A consultation has been launched by FCFM before a planning application is made to Caerphilly council. The deadline for comments is December 21.