Caerphilly County Borough Council are embarking on an ambitious project to deliver a new Caerphilly Town 2035 Placemaking Plan to revitalise Caerphilly Town Centre, which has started with the creation of a new Market which provides a food hall and retail development overlooking the iconic Castle and moat.  The scheme has been operated by the Council on a short term basis to establish the tenant line up and underlying trade. The Council are now seeking a longer-term operator to inherit the facility on a new lease going forward.

Ffos Caerffili is situated in the heart of the town centre, overlooking Caerphilly Castle. Following investment in excess of £16 million from Cadw, visitor numbers are expected to exceed 150,000 a year after the re-launch in May 2025.

Ffos Caerphilli comprises 28 independent food, retail and office traders occupying repurposed shipping containers, with associated leisure spaces, landscaping, trader car parking and infrastructure. The Council are seeking an operator to take an overriding lease on the entire facility therefore benefiting from the income from incumbent tenants and any additional revenue generated from wider events.  Whilst Ffos has launched successfully there is still scope for a new operator to enhance the existing offering including improving the weather proofing of the food hall during the winter months (The Council have secured funding to support the weatherproofing works, details of which will be shared with the successful applicant).  Operators at the scheme include Babhaus, Two Shot Social, Anand George, Estraneo Pizza, Acme Burger, Joy House Creations & Lockup Bottle Shop.  The commercial units extend to a total of 4,005 sq ft / 371.1 sq m.

The current gross income generated at the site up to circa £270,000 pa.

On the instructions of Caerphilly County Borough Council, expressions of interest no later than 12 Noon on Tuesday 3 June 2025.

All expressions of interest should be submitted (in writing or via email) for the attention of: Owen Cahill – owen@ejhales.co.uk or Phil Morris – pvm@ejhales.co.uk

The expression of interest should include:
1. Full name and address of the prospective tenant
2. Background and Experience – 40%
3. Vision & Aspiration – 30%
4. Future opportunities / Issues – 30%

Following receipt of the stage 1 expressions of interest, a shortlist of parties will be invited to submit stage 2 full informal tender offers for the head lease with formal interviews to follow.