A farmers’ market for Sainsbury’s building?

As one of Welshpool’s largest buildings remains empty, the Town Council may investigate whether the former Sainsbury’s could be used as a farmers’ market.

There has been a distinct lack of activity at the enormous building since Sainsbury’s pulled the plug in 2021, but there is support at Town Council level to see if it could be used to promote locally grown food, produce and goods.

At the latest Events and Planning Committee meeting, Cllr Sally Fitzgerald said that she had spoken with a number of people to discuss the return of a farmers’ market to the town, and believes it would be an initiative to help regenerate the town centre.

“I am not saying it should be every month, but I think it is something that we should start looking at,” said Cllr Fitzgerald. “People are conscious of what they are buying and where it is coming from. People would like to buy local produce from local farmers.

“I have spoken to several local farmers who have told me they would be very happy to help me get something like this up and running.”

Town Mayor, Cllr Phil Owen, was in support and said: “I think it is important to give local growers, and not just the producers of food, but to local people who make things like craftworkers, somewhere where they can sell their stuff. They are always very popular and I am sure it would work very well in Welshpool.”

Cllr Nick Howells was concerned that it would impact the Town Hall market traders, and that producers should rent a stall there, but it was explained that the indoor market was now at full capacity.

Cllr Howells also reminded councillors that the previous farmers’ market hadn’t worked in the town.

Discussions over location then moved to Cllr Owen’s suggestion that Sainsbury’s should be looked at.

“Sainsbury’s has been empty for goodness knows how long now, and no sign of anything going on,” he said. “We might be able to negotiate to take it over temporarily to try and kick something off and get people to bring their produce into the town and sell it.”

Cllr Phil Pritchard pointed out that business rates would be the stumbling block to taking on the Sainsbury’s building, and other councillors said that the Corn Exchange could be more appropriate.

Councillors agreed to take the matter forward and investigate the feasibility of re-introducing the farmers market, including potential venues.