Council appoints specialist architectural design firm to grow the appeal of Neath Market

The council says that Roberts Limbrick, which has worked with other indoor markets across Wales and the UK, will gather the views of residents, traders, town centre businesses and others to take the market forward while respecting its heritage and sense of place in the heart of Neath.

Cllr. Jeremy Hurley, the council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, said: “The market has been at the centre of community life here since it opened on Green Street back in 1837. The council is committed to the market’s future because of the very important role it plays in the town centre economy providing a unique local offer for both local residents and visitors. 

“It also provides a home for a variety of small and local businesses including antiques, clothing, fresh meat and poultry, fruit and vegetables, household goods, hairdressers, nail bars, pet food and more.

“Roberts Limbrick will be asking for feedback from all parts of the community about ways of progressing the market so please get involved in the process if you want to have your say over the coming months.”

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr. Steve Hunt, said: “Neath Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a cornerstone of the town’s heritage, and a vital part of our local economy. By engaging with residents, traders, and businesses, we aim to ensure that the market will continue to thrive and evolve. Your input is invaluable, so please take this opportunity to shape the future of our beloved market.”

The council says the survey will be shared through social media, local community networks and the local media, as well as in the market itself and in other public outlets, including Neath Leisure Centre and Neath Library.

Local Senedd Member, Sioned Williams recently published a survey into the future of Neath town centre, which gained nearly 400 responses, and revealed how much locals value their historic market, albeit with concerns over its future.

Ms Williams had also been in correspondence with Neath Port Talbot council over their plans for the future of the market. 

#Neath #NeathMarket #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #RobertsLimbrick

Hope for backing for Neath Market new vision

The visit was organised by Sioned Williams MS off the back of Ms Williams’ survey into the future of Neath town centre, which gained nearly 400 responses, and revealed how much locals value their historic market, albeit with concerns over its future.

Ms Williams had also been in correspondence with Neath Port Talbot council over their plans for the future of the market. 

On Thursday 3 April, Ms Williams and Mandy Gunter, the Chair of the Traders Association took Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant, her officials together with the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, and council officers on a tour of the market to meet traders, hear their concerns and gain their views about what improvements were needed.

During the visit the Council confirmed its commitment to continue working with traders and other town centre businesses to develop a plan for the market, and Ms Williams pressed the Cabinet Secretary for financial support from Welsh Government to help deliver that plan. 

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “Neath Market is not only historically significant, but plays such an important role in attracting footfall to the town centre. I know how much it’s valued by the community, and how many feel that, with more support, it could have an even bigger contribution in ensuring the prosperity of Neath and its local businesses.

“That’s why I felt it so important to get Welsh Government, Neath Port Talbot Council, and traders all together so that all are aware of what needs to be done, what can be done, and – crucially – how we get it done.

“I am grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for coming to Neath following my invitation and I was pleased to hear that Neath Port Talbot Council are in the process of working with traders, neighbouring business owners, and people who shop in the market to develop a plan.

“However, intentions require investment, and with local authorities under significant financial pressure, we need to make sure that Welsh Government understands the importance of the market and why its future must be secured and its potential developed. The market is a central part of the town’s identity, and I have been calling for years for the funding to be made available to realise its full potential. 

“I will keep campaigning to ensure everything is done by the Council and Welsh Government to support and celebrate the ongoing contribution Neath Market makes to the local economy and to the vitality of the town centre.”

#Business #Neath #NeathMarket #retail #SionedWilliamsMS

Goblin Box stocks historical model kits with settings ranging from the Roman era up to WW2. They also stock tools and paints needed to get started with the hobby, and will be proud local stockists of Warlord Games.

However, the store isn’t just going to be a retail space, it will also provide a ‘Hobby Bar’ where customers can build and paint models and a gaming table.

Ben owner of the store said:

“Neath Indoor Market  provides a great opportunity for smaller or more niche businesses to operate, I can’t wait to bring something different to the market and town. So with model and miniature wargaming being a passion of mine, I am excited to be opening Goblin Box and during the time I have been getting the stall ready the other traders in Neath Indoor Market have been so supportive and welcoming, I would encourage any start-ups to consider a stall.”

On Fridays, Ben also runs a weekly hobby club in the nearby Gathering Place on Queen Street. Ben added: “While wargaming and scale modelling can be a lesser known hobby, there is a surprisingly large community in the Neath area, I wanted to provide a space for those involved in it to take part in their hobby locally”

Scale modelling saw a major rise during lockdown, and its popularity hasn’t waned since, it has also been found to have a positive effect on the mental health of participants, especially when practised in a social environment.

Goblin Box is set to open at 10am on Friday 20th September, and there is a launch party scheduled to kick off this exciting new venture with a bang, which will continue on Saturday 21st!

For more information about “Goblin Box” and what exciting things they have to offer contact Ben RAE on 07403 179333 or email ben@goblinbox.co.uk

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/15/new-exciting-store-to-open-at-neath-indoor-market-this-friday/

#gaming #GoblinBox #Neath #NeathMarket