With a special public consultation due to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, February 18) on the future of Tenby Market Hall - many are wondering just what Pembrokeshire County Council have got planned for the historic building that sits in the heart of the seaside town.

The Local Authority has stated that it is ‘exploring the future’ of the Market Hall - with any plans for the facility currently at a feasibility stage.

The County Council has come in for strong criticism in recent times from market traders and local councillors, for neglecting the building which sits within the walled town.

Traders that operate their businesses at the Pembrokeshire Council owned premises, have voiced concerns about being ‘kept in the dark’ by council offcers, over approved plans to turn the former TP Hughes department store next door into a luxury spa hotel, restaurant and café, which could see parts of the Market Hall impacted.

Many in the community remain sceptical over what PCC have planned for the Market - believed to be the oldest market in Wales, being on the same site since 1290.

“Tenby market is a staple in the town and should be supported not 'shuffled' out - which I imagine is going to happen,” said Matt Cooke, licensee at the town’s Five Arches Tavern.

“Has Tenby Town Council anything to say on the matter yet? Or leave it too late with a sigh?

“Wake up people stop following the herd to the supermarkets, shop local...the choices are getting smaller but who doesn't like a mooch around the market for our pet? Grab a unique gift? Buy decent sausages and fresh products? Fruit and veg and a nice cuppa and a chat?”

Former town councillor and Mayor of Tenby, Tony Brown remarked: “Say goodbye to Tenby Market - you know full well they have made a decision already or they would have made improvements a long time ago!”

However, a possible ‘mixed-use development’ - could see the building adapted for a combination of retail, dining, and cultural activities - according to design and planning consultants commissioned by the Local Authority to look at the site’s potential.

A spokesperson for PCC said: “We are really excited to have held a positive interactive consultation session with the traders of Tenby Market Hall on February 5, marking the first step in exploring the future of the market offering.

“This will be followed by a public drop-in consultation and engagement session, giving residents, businesses and key stakeholders the chance to share their views.

“At this stage, we are working closely with traders to understand their views on the opportunities, challenges, and aspirations.

“The future plans of the market hall are currently at feasibility stage, with architects commissioned to explore options. No final decisions have been made, and it’s important to note that no funding has been secured for any development at this time.

“PCC are committed to consulting on these important town centre projects, and your input is an important part of this process. We look forward to continuing the conversation,” they continued.

The special public drop-in event about the future of Tenby Market Hall will take place on Wednesday, February 18, between 4 and 7pm The De Valence Pavilion.

The spokesperson for the Local Authority continued: “Tenby Market Hall has been at the heart of the town for generations, and we know how important it is to the community.

“As we look ahead, we’re committed to retaining the market’s character and role, while exploring how it can be updated, improved, and made fit for the future.

“Your insights are essential. We want to hear what matters most to you — what should stay, what could be refreshed, and how the Market Hall can continue to thrive as an important community and trading space.”

Anyone who can’t join the drop-in on the day, there will be more opportunities to take part, the County Council has said.

You can also share ideas or feedback anytime by emailing: [email protected]

Cllr Paul Miller, PCC’s Deputy Leader said: “After our initial conversations with the traders this event marks the first step in our public engagement for the future of Tenby Market Hall, a key historic asset in our town centre that supports local traders and contributes so much to the life of Tenby.

“I’d encourage everyone to come along, take part, and share their views on how we can create a thriving, market that is fit for the future. There will be a range of stations on the day to help gather ideas and feedback, and all are very welcome.”

Towards the end of last year, County councillor for the seaside town’s north ward Cllr Michael Williams contacted PCC’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Miller asking for an update on plans to carry out improvements and repairs to the historic market hall, after continued reports of rainwater pouring through sections of the roof and worryingly running down the light fittings in the building - only to be told that there was ‘no available quick fix’.

“The way these tenants have been treated is truly appalling,” remarked Cllr Williams at the time.

“I have asked for meetings with the tenants and been informed that this was ‘Premature’. I have also asked for details of any agreements reached with the developers next door and received nothing.

“I have also shown the CEO the conditions prevailing in the market over two years ago, it is now far worse, and nothing has changed.

“Frankly I absolutely despair. The way the authority has treated the tenants is an absolute disgrace, and nobody appears to listen, after years of neglect.

“This is but one example of what appears to be the almost complete abandonment of Tenby by this authority and enough is enough,” he added.

Developers Bassett Crockford Holdings Ltd’s application for a change of use for the former TP Hughes/M&Co store and a part change of use of the council-owned market hall and former town hall to a spa hotel, restaurant and cafe/bar, with associated extensions and alterations, were approved at a meeting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s development management committee last April.

This despite the fact that there was no agreement in place between the developers and Pembrokeshire County Council on the market hall aspect of the proposals.

The development for a new hotel extends across two buildings; the 20 hotel rooms will be located within the remaining upper floors of the existing M&Co 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.

The scheme was supported by Tenby Town Council, subject to conditions including the protection of existing market operations, and an agreed action plan for integration with potential refurbishment of the market.

However, Tenby Civic Society raised concerns about the spa/fitness suite having an impact on the running of the market traders’ businesses.

Before any of the proposals were backed though, Pembrokeshire County Council commissioned Cardiff and Bristol-based planning and design consultants The Urbanists (who have been heavily involved in the seaside town’s contentious Brynhir housing development) - to carry out a ‘development regeneration’ portfolio for Tenby’s market hall building.

The document states: ‘Consideration could be given to a stronger management approach to curate a more consistent and targeted market experience. This could either be led by the Council maintaining operational management or contracted out to a specialist market operator.

‘The new boutique hotel development should bring higher spending visitors to the town with an extended season. This may have potential to attract more local artisan food producers, specialist catering or indeed luxury crafts and local goods.

‘A curated approach could encourage more seasonal variation among the market stalls, refreshing the visitor experience and complementing town centre events and celebrations whilst minimising the risk of to local traders from extended lease commitment.

‘Such an approach would require investment in the building fabric to create a more vibrant and modernised interior, with improved general and accent lighting, whilst also respecting the historic origins.

‘There is also potential to create more usable space through introduction of a mezzanine floor to the Upper Frog Street side taking advantage of potential changes to the roof as part of the Hotel development.

‘This could create some 112 sq m of additional floorspace which could be used for special events/product launches, exhibitions and local community events out of season.

‘Consideration has also been given to potential for a smaller perimeter mezzanine area to provide additional storage space above the traditional market stalls.

‘From a commercial market perspective, there are concerns whether this would actually generate any additional revenue to offset the cost and could further complicate lease negotiations with different traders.

‘Alternatively, consideration could be given to explore commercial potential to re-purpose the market hall for a new bar/restaurant leisure use to further complement the proposed hotel development.

‘There does not appear to be any restrictive covenant on the Land Registry Title but further legal investigation may be needed to clarify whether the Royal Charter provides for the continued operation and /or use of a market hall and whether the Council may be obliged to provide replacement site.

‘A detailed measurement of the building will be required to confirm dimensions but the ground floor is estimated to be around 260 m2 (2,800 sq ft) Gross with a further 113 m2 (1,200 sq ft) in the proposed mezzanine area.

‘This could, for example, potentially meet the requirements for a Loungers café/bar/restaurant which is one of the current market leaders in the sector with extensive expansion plans.

‘Their minimum requirement is 3,750 sq ft with at least 2,200 sq ft ground floor which the Market Hall could potentially deliver. If there was potential political support for such a change in use for the Market Hall, it would be worth conducting informal enquiries to test potential market interest whilst also ensuring proposals complement rather than compete with the hotel proposals.

‘The other options for mainstream retail or residential conversion are not considered to be realistic or viable given the built form and lack of retail frontage.’

The consultancy assessment went onto say that the development of the new Hotel/Spa scheme will require the existing market roof structure to be replaced; which would provide an opportunity to explore the potential to create an upper-storey level/mezzanine space within the market for a mix of new uses e.g. additional market space, space for hire (e.g. exercise/health and wellbeing/ yoga studio classes), hot-desk facilities.

Pointing towards a potential mixed-use development - the consultants state that the hall could be adapted for a combination of retail, dining, and cultural activities, ‘enhancing its utility and appeal’.