Cardiff Market restoration secures £2.1m lottery funding
Cardiff Council has secured £2.1m of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to aid its Cardiff Market restoration project.
If the project receives full funding – which is expected to require a total investment of around £6.5m – the development would see the reveal of original design features, the restoration of traditional entrances and original stalls, the glass roof repaired, and improvements to the Victorian drainage system.
Repairs would also be made to the H.Samuel market clock, whilst a ‘false floor’ installed at the Trinity Street entrance in the 1960s would be removed.
The project would also see the introduction of a new activity and education room, as well as a new 70-seat eating area. The plans also detail the installation of new energy-efficient LED lighting and roof-mounted solar panels.
Cardiff City Council leader Huw Thomas said: “Coming hot on the heels of cabinet agreeing the plans last week, this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund marks a significant step towards achieving our aim of protecting, preserving and future-proofing Cardiff Market.
“The market has been an important city centre space for small independent traders for almost 130 years, and now welcomes more than two million people through its doors annually. Once full funding is secured, the restoration will ensure it remains the bustling heart of the city for many years to come.”
A full funding strategy for the project was recently approved, with a combination of external grants and loans and direct investment by the council contributing to the remainder of the financing.