After more than 30 years working in Newport’s indoor market, record stallholder Dean Beddis was packing up his collection of punk, new wave, reggae, funk and soul discs for the last time.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Beddis. “This building is much more than a market. It’s a family, a wonderful community that has developed over decades. This is the heart and soul of Newport. I think that is all going to be lost. I’ve had people here in tears. It’s so sad.”
Opened in the 19th century, Newport Provisions Market has served the south Wales city well, but is in the midst of fundamental changes.
Most of the stallholders are moving out and builders will soon arrive to convert the place into a multi-million pound, multi-purpose centre.
Some market stalls will remain but there will also be apartments, offices, a food court with pop-up units and a performance space. Newport city council calls it “potentially the largest market redevelopment in the UK” and says it will create a “24-hour working/living space”.
Many are not convinced. “This isn’t trendy Camden,” said Beddis. “It’s working-class Newport.” He remembers how Newport people would bring in fruit, veg and flowers from their allotments to sell at the market. He used to collect chestnuts to sell to help make ends meet. “What people want here is a thriving, proper market. Not a fake version of a market.”
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