Tenby market traders worried about future amid redevelopment plans

Tenby market traders have expressed ongoing concern over their future due to Pembrokeshire County Council's redevelopment plans, fearing potential displacement and a loss of the market's historic character - as longstanding stall holders have bemoaned a lack of transparency from the Local Authority.

Pembrokeshire Council recently revealed a new vision for the future of Tenby Market Hall, which sits in the heart of the seaside town.

PCC who own and run the historic hall state that the plans will mark a ‘significant milestone’ in a project that aims to transform one of Tenby’s most iconic buildings, as well as supporting the continued regeneration of the town centre.

A release of a design on how the market may be transformed in the future, follows the successful securing of UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) investment, which enabled the development of the plans and demonstrates the Council's commitment to exploring opportunities for the future of this important community asset.

Developed by Pembrokeshire based Oochitecture, the Council state proposals present a ‘fresh and modern’ vision for the space.

PCC state that the design maximises the use of the ground floor, while also introducing a new first-floor mezzanine that increases capacity for traders, creates opportunities for new businesses, and improves the overall visitor experience.

The Council has stated that the proposals aim to create a more ‘flexible and vibrant’ environment that can support a diverse mix of traders, encourage longer visitor dwell times, and strengthen the Market Hall's role as a key destination within Tenby town centre.

PCC haved stated that the emerging vision has been ‘shaped’ by feedback gathered through public engagement activities and early discussions with Market Hall traders.

However, traders that have been longstanding stall holders the premises, bemoan that they have long been kept in the dark over the proposals at the Market, which is believed to be the oldest indoor market in Wales, operating on the same site since 1290.

They told the Observer: “The Council says the vision was shaped by public feedback and discussions with traders. However, our involvement has been limited, and we still have no unconditional assurance that we will all be able to return to suitable and affordable spaces.

“Consultation should be judged by how clearly people’s views are reflected in the outcome.

“Tenby Market’s future is about far more than bricks and mortar—it is also about the established traders whose businesses, livelihoods and hard work give the Market its character.

“We welcome investment and recognise the need to enhance this important historic building, but the traders must remain part of its future.

“The County Council has been ‘exploring opportunities’ for some time, but important questions remain unanswered.

“Traders, local people and visitors deserve clarity about the options considered, the partners involved, the funding being pursued and why this particular vision was chosen.

“A single computer-generated image cannot provide a complete picture of such a significant development. Detailed plans for the Market Hall, 12 High Street and the wider scheme are needed so that everyone can properly understand what is being proposed.

“We want this redevelopment to succeed, but success cannot be measured only by the appearance of the finished building. It must also be measured by whether the independent businesses, jobs, livelihoods and character that exist today are protected.

“We hope people will share our belief that Tenby Market’s established traders should remain at the heart of its future and that their contribution to the town should be recognised and protected throughout the development.”

Indeed, Pembrokeshire Council have admitted that funding for the delivery of the project has not yet been secured. Question marks also remain over the involvement of those behind the devleopment of a new luxury spa hotel and restaurant next door, at the former TP Hughes store, who some time ago approached the Local Authority with a view to altering part of the market and former town hall.

The development for the new hotel extends across two buildings; the 20 hotel rooms will be located within the remaining upper floors of the existing TP Hughes buildings, and two new roof extensions in a mansard form to accommodate further hotel space.

The spa would be located at first floor level of the town hall aspect, and into the market’s first floor.

Pembrokeshire Council says that it remains committed to working with partners and exploring future ‘funding opportunities’ to help realise their vision for Tenby Market Hall - but at no point have the Council disclosed the financial contributions offered to them from the developers next door, with regards to taking over part of the market space.

But with the major refurbishment of Tenby Market rumoured to start in September 2027 and estimated to take 18 months to complete, traders remain uncertain about their future, with no guarantees in place by the County Council that they will return to the premises.

When asked by the Observer, what provisional date has been earmarked for the closure of the Market Hall, and what date is envisaged for the redevelopment to be completed by, a spokesperson for PCC responded: “There is currently no confirmed date for works to commence. The project remains in the early stages.

“We appreciate the feedback received to date and will continue to take this into consideration as the project progresses through these early stages.”

When asked as to what guarantees have been given to existing market traders in terms of them keeping their current spot in the building's redevelopment, PCC stated: “We are continuing to work closely with the traders to understand their requirements and ensure their views are considered as the plans develop. Until the plans are finalised, there are no confirmed arrangements to communicate.

“No notices have been served on any traders. Traders have been made aware that we would welcome their return to the market hall, but we are not yet in a position to provide further clarification until the detail of the proposals has been confirmed.”

County Councillor for Tenby’s North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams has shared the frustrations raised by traders over a lack of transparency from PCC, and has kept in contact with them whilst parts of the building have fallen into further disrepair, which he has raised with the Local Authority as an ongoing concern.

“I find the approach in general at best duplicitous, and I must reiterate once again that I have had no contact from PCC or anyone else about the market proposals,” he remarked.

“I am not the local member, but this matter does not only effect the Tenby South ward, and I have raised concerns about the way traders have been treated over many years.

“I have been specifically excluded from any matters relating to the market redevelopment despite arranging meetings on site with the Chief Executive and Senedd Members.”

Indeed, since news of the future plans for the market were released this month, the proposals have been met with a mixed reaction from both locals and visitors.

“Modernisation not needed. The heart and soul of this town is being ripped out!” remarked Josh Freeman, who runs the Salt + Smoke smokery at Kilgetty farm near Tenby.

Former Tenby Town Councillor, Sandra Williams commented: “Absolutely awful what is happening to the heart of town!! The charter states a market hall which should be for locals and visitors!

“The market is a piece of history and yet again it’s being knocked down for a new design! Look what happened when PCC decided to knock down the Infant school and build a new one!!! 8 years later it’s basically falling down!

Another stated: “That doesn’t look like a market at all, photographs of some traditional markets throughout England and Wales were displayed at the consultation I attended - but obviously ignored!”

“And there goes the heart of Tenby. The charm of this small fishing town is disappearing fast!” remarked another.

“Only the harbour left, likely a matter of time now ‘til the council sell that to a corporate looking ‘refurb’. Tenby - as quoted by another, is ‘Pembrokeshire’s Cash Cow’, where the locals are displaced and the essence is sold for councillor gains.”

One person criticising the design commented: “It should not look contemporary inside. It should look traditional, mirroring the outside of the building and its history. This looks like a big Starbucks!”

Others have also shared their concerns on what the proposals mean for the current traders at the hall.

Local textile artist Sarah Reason-Jones said: “It's disgusting how the Tenby market traders have been treated!”

Former county councillor for neighbouring Penally, Jon Preston concurred, stating: “It's absolutley disgraceful the way the local market traders have been treated. They have been given notice to vacate and are not being offered new contracts to be able to return after the renovations.

“Was it even brought up in the council chamber? PCC should be ashamed.”

Another stated: “What are they to do in the meantime whilst work is going on?! Anyone who has had a business will probably agree, if you have to close for a time, your customers will go elsewhere. Especially for pet food.

“We shop at The Pet Shop, scarves, make-up, The Little Pantry, Nora’s Kitchen. Plus, I don’t think they’re guaranteed a place in the new one, and at what cost with rent and rates? Doubt the rent will be the same as it is now!”

One person shared the view that many current market stall holders will be priced out of returning to their patch.

“Absolutely disgusting. These stalls need footfall and being told that alternative shops are available by Sainsburys is outrageous!” they stated.

“The rental prices for any of the available retail spaces in town are astronomical and totally out of price range of stall holders. I bet the council will sell off the management rights to an outside agency too, putting rental prices up and making it even harder for the stall holders to go back or be approved suitable.”

Another pushed for the character of the traditional to be retained, stating: “Renovate what you have and people love. Not everything needs to change into characterless property.

“The stall hders that have been there for years probably won't be able to afford the new rents and will go out of business.

“The market is a well used andove part of the town. Repair and move onto something else.

“It is time the council listened to what the people want and stop wasting money.”

On the future plans for, Pembrokeshire Council cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Paul Miller said: "This new vision demonstrates the potential of Market Hall and Old Town Hall to play an even greater role in the future of Tenby.

“These proposals have been informed by local feedback and show how this important historic building could be revitalised for future generations.

"The plans seek to create a vibrant destination that supports local businesses, provides opportunities for new traders and enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike.

“While funding for delivery has not yet been secured, we remain committed to this project and to working with the community and partners to bring forward a sustainable and achievable scheme.

“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the plans and complete the questionnaire to help shape the next stage of the project."

The Council looks forward to continuing to work closely with traders, residents, partners and the wider community to develop proposals that honour the building's heritage while creating a strong and sustainable future for this landmark asset.

County councillor for Tenby’s south ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “The Market Hall is at the heart of Tenby, and its future is important to all of us. We are continuing to listen to traders, residents and visitors as the vision develops, and I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey and share their views.

“This is an important opportunity for people to help shape the future of the Market Hall, and we want to make sure those views are properly considered as we work through the next stages.”