Proposals to modernise a market building established over 130 years ago could involve constructing an intermediate floor as part of efforts to draw in younger customers with greater spending power.
Torfaen Borough Council is examining plans to overhaul Pontypool Indoor Market after modifications made during renovation work carried out approximately a decade ago limited how the structure could be used.
One elected member indicated that any substantial alterations to the council-owned facility, which currently fails to generate a profit, ought to be negotiated with the businesses currently operating there.
Potential developments might include installing a mezzanine above a newly created internal space within the market and addressing climate control issues in this protected structure that lacks conventional heating, a system that could not be fitted during previous improvements due to insufficient budget.
Financial projections compiled by the council in 2024 revealed the market brought in £100,164 during 2024/25 against expenditure of £191,745.14, which included three council supervisors, with costs anticipated to climb to £201,339 in the following fiscal period.
Even at complete occupancy, the facility’s 41 trading spaces could only generate £156,775.32 under existing arrangements, with the assessment noting that the current pricing structure would still leave the market financially unsustainable.
The strategy also characterised the venue as appearing worn and outdated and recommended expanding its customer base by drawing in younger customers with greater spending power while increasing the variety of businesses present.
The proposal recommends a viability study to examine how part of the market hall might be redesigned to provide adaptable space suitable for hosting functions and generating supplementary revenue through lettings.
It also suggests conducting an energy impact review to determine methods for enhancing temperature regulation and cutting energy expenditure, as well as pursuing external grants to fund improvement works.
According to the council’s commercial assessment, the construction of standardised, permanent trading units during the 2015/16 renovation limits possibilities for creating adaptable or multipurpose zones, making it problematic to host events or different activities that could boost visitor numbers and create extra income.
The assessment observed that events serve as a primary driver of foot traffic at comparable indoor markets and town centres, encouraging return visits, while venues offering regular programming such as themed trading days, community gatherings, skills sessions, culinary displays or seasonal festivities typically attract greater participation from local residents and visitors from nearby areas.
The strategy suggests annual supplementary revenue of up to £37,000 could be achieved through evening lettings of the market hall, temporary trading units and making office and meeting spaces available for rental.
Existing stall rental rates would be preserved, though reviews would occur every three years, while the licensing arrangements, which specify minimum trading days and hours for vendors, would be examined and a rental rebate eliminated. A requirement for stallholders to settle fees via direct transfer would also be implemented.
The commercial case is presently being evaluated as part of a visitor strategy designed to increase tourism in Torfaen that the council is developing. This would also establish where the authority would need to allocate funds to enhance visitor facilities.
When councillors examined the proposal, Lynda Clarkson, Abersychan Labour representative, indicated that major alterations should involve consultation with residents and trading tenants.
Gillian Lewis, the council’s economy team manager, stated that input from market users and the wider community was essential.