Latest news with #FfosCaerffili
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Popular business at town's container market to expand
Joy House Creations, run by 29-year-old Bethan Davies, has been a popular feature at Ffos Caerffili since April 2024. The business offers mindfulness craft workshops, including pottery painting, knitting, and needle felting, encouraging participants to slow down, converse, and take a break from the hectic world. After a successful first year at the town's container market, the business is now set to move into larger premises to accommodate its growing customer base. Bethan said: "Our pottery classes and our paint and sip sessions are the most popular. "I love working with the community and the buzz of excitement when hosting workshops is fantastic. "There's something for everyone, and I've had so much positive feedback from people in Caerphilly since I set up here." Joy House Creations was among the first businesses at Ffos Caerffili and has gained popularity with regular weekly workshops and special events, often collaborating with other traders in the market. Bethan, a Cardiff University Fine Art graduate, started hosting spoon carving workshops around Cardiff, inspired by her love for creativity. She believes the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a newfound interest in mental health and wellbeing. She said: "I have always enjoyed the process of slowing down. "After Covid, I wanted to pass that on to others. "Art is what I love but it's equally important to encourage conversation and community." Joy House Creations began in 2020, operating in rented spaces around the capital. However, Bethan soon realised she wanted her own space in an area needing greater access to affordable creativity. When the opportunity arose to set up in Ffos Caerffili, she seized it. Her success in the area has given her the confidence to expand the store in the market. Bethan said a more spacious unit will open new opportunities to host larger groups for workshops and act as an affordable space for local creatives to rent. She said: "I couldn't think of a better place to set up for the future, which is why I have ambitions to move to a bigger unit in the market. "Ffos is the perfect spot for Joy House and I want to continue working with the people here." Joy House Creations is set to move into a larger unit at Ffos Caerffili in June 2025. For more information about business opportunities at Ffos Caerffili, contact management at hello@ or fill out the contact form at
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'This part of town looks like a crime scene... broken glass, weeds and police tape flapping in the wind'
'This part of town looks like a crime scene... broken glass, weeds and police tape flapping in the wind' Business owners say they're losing hundreds of pounds every week in 'forgotten' area that reeks of cannabis Caerphilly's indoor market closed its doors in January 2023 (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) It was once home to a thriving market at the heart of a Welsh town. But since Caerphilly's indoor market was closed two years ago, business owners say this part of town has now been "left to die". They claim they are losing hundreds of pounds in profit each week as anti-social behaviour has taken over their derelict part of town, meaning nobody wants to go there. Concern is growing among Caerphilly locals after the once-thriving indoor market has turned into a magnet for anti-social behaviour. Those who work there say they are experiencing continuous vandalism. Business owners we spoke to described the area as derelict and "an eyesore", with four-foot weeds growing over the buildings, shattered glass over the floor, police tape blowing in the wind and an unavoidable stench of cannabis. Caerphilly's indoor market closed its doors in January 2023, to make way for the modern and trendy container-style market called Ffos Caerffili that opened 18 months later. The market and food court has established itself as a destination venue and was even named one of the UK's best food halls by the Sunday Times. You can read more about its success here Article continues below But since it opened, the old market and its surrounding area has been "left to die" according to local business owners, who say this part of town is a part that has been forgotten. Francesca Keirle, 46, owns a bistro called Geshmack on Clive Street. Her premises backs onto the old indoor market and ever since she opened up one year ago, she has "seen it all". Francesca Keirle, 46, owner of Geshmack Bistro (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) "The only thing that separates my building to the old market is a narrow gulley, that kids constantly go down to do drugs, like smoking weed or using those nitrous oxide cannisters," said Fran. "But they don't stop there. They use planks of would to climb onto the market roof and enter the derelict flats. There has been two fires started inside there since October. "Me and my staff have to call the police repeatedly, and have been verbally abused by the children ourselves in the past. "Some of the kids I have seen up on the roof I'd estimate to be as young as 10. It is so dangerous - and it is heart-breaking really as they aren't bad kids, they just have no boundaries or structure in life which ultimately escalates to criminal behaviours." On top of the frequent criminal activity happening on her business' doorstep, Fran says the entire area is off-putting to any potential trade. The disused units that are continuously falling victim to anti-social behaviour are due to be knocked down (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) "The entire area looks like a crime scene. People don't want to walk down a street where there are weeds as high as your chest, and police tape flapping in the wind. "The council set a date to demolish the whole thing but that has come and gone. Meanwhile us business owners are paying high rates to operate out of the most neglected part of Caerphilly." Debra Hale is the owner of Nice gift shop, also on Clive Street, and has been there for 30 years. Debra has echoed Fran's concerns, and estimated that she is losing £400-£500 every week from having no passing trade. Debra Hale is the owner of Nice gift shop, also on Clive Street (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) "I am lucky to have so many regulars. My business would not be afloat without them," said Debra. "I just want the council to get on with it, the demolition, so that we can come out the other side. "I am struggling every week - there is no passing trade because nobody wants to come here. I mean why would they? There's kids smoking dope, empty shops, glass on the floor." Caerphilly County Borough Council announced in March that work will be starting on demolishing the sad-looking street, as part of their Caerphilly Town 2035 masterplan. Though the timeline for its demolition has come and gone. Stay informed on Caerphilly news by signing up to our newsletter here The disused units that are continuously falling victim to anti-social behaviour are due to be knocked down and replaced by a modern apartment complex, creating 72 properties and seven new commercial units. A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: 'The redevelopment of the former indoor market on Pentrebane Street will bring much-needed housing to the town centre as well as a healthy mix of commercial and retail units. 'Site preparation began in March with demolition scheduled immediately once utility companies disconnect their services. 'In the meantime, additional hoardings have been placed around the site to offer protection against intruders and work has progressed to ensure demolition can take place safely with minimal disruption to neighbouring residents and businesses.' Article continues below
