UPDATE: The future of Bridgend’s iconic indoor market remains uncertain as urgent repairs are now deemed necessary. The building, closed since September 2023 due to safety concerns over reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), has left local traders in limbo and the community in distress.
Officials from Bridgend County Borough Council have confirmed that the required remedial work will be of “significant cost and scale.” No firm timeline for reopening has been established, raising concerns among residents and local business owners. Approximately 17 stallholders were affected by the closure; many have since relocated to the nearby Rhiw Shopping Centre, while others have sought alternative venues around town.
A recent freedom of information request by regional Senedd member Altaf Hussain uncovered that the council holds a 99-year lease on the building, signed in 1972. This “full repairing lease” mandates the council to handle all repairs and maintenance. Shockingly, the council is currently paying £132,470 annually for a property that is now completely unusable, with 46 years remaining on the lease.
In a statement, a council spokesperson emphasized the importance of exploring various options for the site that reflect both the town’s heritage and modern needs. “A range of extensive surveys have confirmed that the Bridgend Indoor Market building requires remedial work of both a significant cost and scale,” they stated.
Community leaders have expressed their concerns over the loss of the market. A representative from Bridgend council’s local independent group said, “The market has always been an important part of the town, especially for traders and shoppers around the Christmas period. Its closure has definitely been a loss, and we hope to hear some positive news about it soon.”
While there is no set timeline for repairs, the council is actively working with the building’s owners, based in the British Virgin Islands, to carry out an options appraisal. This process aims to determine the best path forward for the future of this critical community asset.
Residents and business owners are urged to stay tuned for updates as the council engages with stakeholders to discuss potential solutions. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; the market’s closure has not only impacted local traders but has also diminished the town’s vibrant shopping atmosphere.
As Bridgend County Borough Council navigates these challenges, the community’s hopes are pinned on finding a viable solution that will restore the market and preserve its legacy for future generations.
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