Business leaders and traders have welcomed Swansea’s historic indoor market upgrade
Swansea Council’s Cabinet has now backed plans to spend over £1 million upgrading the market‘s iconic domed roof.
This could see the introduction of energy-efficiency measures like integrated solar panels and rainwater drainage. Roofing sheets will be replaced, lights will be renewed and flat roof areas will be treated.
A planning application with the exact nature of the works will be submitted in future. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to trade while the works are ongoing andSwansea Market traders will be kept updated.
Adrian Coakley-Greene, owner of Coakley-Greene Fishmongers in the market, said: “The project to refurbish the market roof is going to be worth every penny. The last upgrade has worked very well, but it’s now exceeded its life expectancy.
“Our market is the jewel in the city centre‘s crown – a real focal point with fantastic stalls and fantastic products, many of which are sourced locally. It’s not just the best in Wales, I also think it’s the best of its kind in the UK.
“We need to do what we can to make sure the market building looks as good as possible, especially at a time when the eyes of the world are on Swansea because of the city’s Premier League status.
“Everyone in the market will applaud this news because it’s a second home for the stallholders, but we’ll also work closely with Swansea Council to ensure disruption is minimised during the upgrade works.”
Swansea Council also now the opportunity to match-fund the scheme from other sources under the Waterfront City programme. This could lead to other improvements at the market including more floor space, better signage and improved entrances.
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), said: “This is great news as Swansea Market is one of the economic drivers of our city centre. As the largest indoor market in the country, it bolsters our city centre retail offering and trading environment. The investment by Swansea Council in its future is welcome news and certainly a positive step in the right direction for the city centre.”
Take a look at our Swansea Indoor Market page for more information.
