Cardiff’s indoor market was awarded a £2 million grant from the National Lottery, as officially announced on Tuesday, September 26th. This funding is earmarked for revitalizing the historic Grade II listed building situated in the city center.
The Cardiff City Council greenlit plans for an extensive renovation of Cardiff’s Central Market in August. The restoration project, which includes the preservation of the original Victorian features and the addition of a new seating area, initially sought planning permission back in June.
The market renovation project is expected to need around £6.5 million. According to Cardiff Council, should full funding be successfully secured, the restoration endeavour will involve the unveiling of original design elements, the restoration of traditional entrances and original stalls, the rehabilitation of the iconic glass roof, and enhancements to the Victorian drainage system.
These plans encompass the redesign of entrances on St Mary Street and Trinity Street, addressing roof repairs, and replacing certain substandard stalls. While the redevelopment has obtained official approval, it remains contingent on obtaining external grant funding.
Cardiff Council owns the market, which currently houses 61 independent businesses. The council had previously assured that these businesses would continue to operate during the renovation project, with select traders temporarily relocated to nearby accommodations.
They say that securing the funding “Will transform the market, securing its future and engaging local communities, visitors, and traders in its shared heritage. It includes revitalising the market’s structure, reducing energy costs, working with market traders to care for heritage stalls, and presenting the market’s historic significance through various media.”
The lottery money will go towards the restoration of the building, that was first opened in 1891. It is one of 12 heritage projects around the UK that have been awarded a share of £12.2m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The latest round of funding will restore and transform historic buildings, bringing them back to life as important assets at the heart of their local communities.
