The Aberdare Market Tenants Association (AMTA) was created informally a number of years ago but post pandemic has have been working hard to draw people into the market and work with Our Aberdare BID to drive up footfall and provide lots of events, activities and opportunities for local people and visitors.
They have already run a number of well received events in the market hall and car park but now need some essential equipment and seating etc so they can deliver even more successful events.
Over the next 12 months they are planning a whole host of activities including St Dwynwen’s Day / Valentine’s Day / St David’s Day and Christmas celebrations. They also are planning Spring markets, outdoor markets, participating fully in wider Aberdare Food Festival and craft / learning sessions in the market.
“The hub of the town’s life and activity used to be the market hall. Aberdare Market is no exception; it served as the hub of the community and provided a place for people to congregate and shop from local vendors. The pandemic undoubtedly had a significant impact, but AMTA recognises the necessity of restoring the market as the hub of the community in collaboration with other agencies, for the benefit of the whole town. This application is an excellent example of how the local community and businesses have come together to tell their own story and make sure the area prospers. Aberdare is a lovely town” – Kate Breeze, Executive Director, Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund
“The Aberdare Market Tenants Association is incredibly humbled and grateful to receive this amazing grant from Pen-y-Cymoedd and is pleased that our view of our town, with the Market at the heart of it, is shared. We have worked really hard to engage all tenants to subscribe to our Tenants Association and also held small competitions through the year to raise additional funds, however, this is not enough to allow us to put on bigger and better events for customers, residents and visitors to our town. The heritage of the Market is of vital importance to us, and we are working in partnership with Our Aberdare and RCT County Borough Council to re-vitalise the town and its beautiful environs. The Market is important to so many people and it is a beautiful example of our Victorian heritage – we need to celebrate this and we are determined to continue, through our newly created community hub, and with this welcome funding from Pen y Cymoedd, to make it the heart of the town again. However, we need to have the Community on side as we move forward on this journey”.