Proposal to transform market into artisan site
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 homemade 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 one and 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, often saturated with charity shops, financial institutions, betting shops and failing businesses.
“This is evidenced by the increasingly common closures of many former high street brands and the growing presence of speciality retailers.”
There would also be an incentive for local business and entrepreneurs with tenants offered the first months rent-free if they have lived in Blackwood for more than five years, or their parents have lived locally for more than 10 years.
The report said: “The Blackwood artisan market will be an interesting and vibrant place to visit with lots of quirky, unusual but interesting experiences for consumers.
“In addition to the retail option, there will be an interesting range of food and beverage outlets with an attractive indoor and outdoor seating/relaxing area, these areas will also provide space for visiting displays and entertainers.
“The culture within the artisan market will be that everyone works together to provide an attractive and interesting experience for the visitors, by everyone working towards this aim, additional footfall will be attracted and that, in turn, will benefit everyone.”
A consultation has been launched by FCFM before a planning application is made to Caerphilly council. The deadline for comments is December 21.