Is Tenby’s historic market hall building on High Street finally in line for some much needed TLC to secure its future?

The Local Authority is said to be currently ‘engaged in discussions’ with developers that are working nearby to convert the former TP Hughes department store into a luxury spa hotel and restaurant, in the hope it will help achieve required repairs to part of the iconic market building - home of one of the oldest markets in Pembrokeshire.

Renewed calls were made last year for urgent attention to the building to stop it deteriorating further, with concerns about its condition previously raised with local politicians and councillors.

Tenby Market Hall
Last year, County Councillor for Tenby’s North Ward Michael Williams was joined by Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, and Tenby Town Councillor Paul Rapi at Tenby’s historic indoor market where they met with stallholders. (Pic supplied)

Pembrokeshire County Council – which has responsibility for maintaining the market – has come in for longstanding criticism for not putting any ‘meaningful investment’ into the Grade II-listed market hall for many years.

County councillor for Tenby’s north ward Cllr. Michael Williams put forward a notice of motion last year to PCC’s cabinet, concerning what he called a market with ‘considerable historical significance’ - in an attempt to initiate a full structural survey of the building to establish its condition, together with an examination of its potential.

“There doesn’t appear to be a shortage of small businesses that would like to trade within the building, but I am aware of some who are deterred by the condition of the building and a perception that PCC is not committed to its continued operation,” statd Cllr Williams at the time.

Giving an update on matters, a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council told the Observer this week: “Due to the age and type of property, significant investment is required to repair, sustain and protect Tenby Market.

“The Council is currently engaged in discussions with a developer in order to help achieve the required repairs to part of the building, which if agreed would help to secure the building’s future. As these discussions are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

“Market Traders are being kept informed and we will remain in contact with them as discussions progress,” they added.

Cllr Williams hopes that a way forward may now have been found to save the facility’s long term viability.

Tenby market hall
Pembrokeshire County Council – which has responsibility for maintaining the market – has come in for longstanding criticism for not putting any ‘meaningful investment’ into the Grade II-listed market hall for many years. (Observer pic)

“I well remember taking the then newly appointed Chief Executive of PCC to a meeting with the traders of the market - so at long last a way forward might have been found.

“The priority must be to sustain Tenby’s market keeping it completely within the control of the Local Authority, with a shared management structure with the traders.

“It isn’t acceptable that any developer should in any way control the operation of the Market Hall, as it is at the core of our town, a listed building which has suffered for many years from neglect.

“It is interesting to witness the Local Authority investment in Cardigan market, and the question should be why couldn’t this have been achieved in Pembrokeshire?

“In conclusion it might be well to remember ‘Beware of a Greek bearing gifts’ - added Cllr Williams.