Cardigan Market Hall has opened its doors to the public once again following a full restoration scheme, which the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is pleased to have supported with both grant and loan funding.
The Grade II*-listed Market Hall is a much-loved community building that has been in continuous use as a market since opening in 1860. It is believed to be the first municipal building in Britain to follow Ruskin’s principles, as set out in his book ‘The Stones of Venice’ (1854). The lower floor, originally used for live animal sales, displays a medieval character of rounded piers and arched vaults. In contrast, the upper market, with individual market bays for traders, has a Middle Eastern influence, as seen in the banded archways around the lightwell and the building exterior.
Images: Lower floor aisle (left) and view from the central upper floor (right) at the Market Hall. Credit - Cardigan Building Preservation Trust.
When Cardigan Building Preservation Trust first took on the lease of the building, the Market Hall was in poor condition and suffered from a lack of accessibility. However, following a scheme of repair and refurbishment that complements the neighbouring Guildhall restoration completed by the Trust in 2009, the long-term use of the market has now been secured.
The freshly renovated Market Hall has enhanced facilities for market traders. As well as the extensive programme of fabric repair and the upgrading of services throughout the building, new works also include improved accessibility through a new entrance tower incorporating a lift and the provision of public toilet facilities on each level. Local craftspeople and independent businesses have also been encouraged to take up new incubator and ‘pop-up’ units, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the Market Hall long into the future.
Images: New access block (left) and upper market stalls (right) at the Market Hall. Credit - Cardigan Building Preservation Trust.
The AHF initially supported the Trust with development grant funding towards the Market Hall project plans. It later provided a Heritage Impact Fund working capital loan of £200,000 to provide cashflow for the £1.6m restoration and modernisation project. As well as AHF grant and loan support, the Trust has raised funds from the ERDF (Building for the Future), the Welsh Government, Ceredigion Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Rural Development Programme.
Cardigan Building Preservation Trust repaid the AHF loan funds in full in late 2023 and final works took place through the spring of 2024, with the Market Hall reopening this summer and traders moving back into the refurbished building.
Images: The Wine Company (left) and yoga teacher and artist, Jane Borley (right) at their stalls in the Market Hall. Credit - Cardigan Building Preservation Trust.
The AHF has a range of funds, including loan investment, available for not-for-profit organisations across the UK who want to bring historic buildings like the Market Hall back into use. For more information, please visit: Home | The Architectural Heritage Fund
Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the AHF, said: “We’ve been enthusiastic supporters of the repair and refurbishment of the Market Hall, providing a number of grants and loans. This iconic building has been an important asset in Cardigan since it was first built and, thanks to the efforts of Cardigan Building Preservation Trust, its long-term future has now been secured, ensuring that it remains at the heart of the town’s community and economy for years to come."
Howard Williams, Chair and Treasurer of Cardigan Building Preservation Trust, said: “We are delighted to have completed the restoration of what is both a major social and economic asset to the local community and a building of real architectural distinction. The AHF’s role both in getting the project off the ground and in addressing our cash-flow problems during the final expensive construction phase has been invaluable.”
