The indoor flea market is a hidden gem in Cardiff and for those who work there it’s a haven and sanctuary. New plans for housing threaten its future
Stallholders at a popular Cardiff market that’s threatened with demolition said they were shocked to find out about plans to build homes on the site and now fear for their future. Cardiff Indoor Flea Market on the Clydesmuir Indutrial Estate in Tremorfa has become a popular spot for shoppers and antique enthusiasts in Cardiff since it opened in 2014.
Inside, across three sprawling warehouses, over 70 independent stalls sell everything from antique furniture, vintage clothing and home wear to collectibles, art and even Cardiff City memorabilia. Visitors must navigate a maze of pathways through the stalls, with potential treasures to find around every corner.
However, the future of the site is in doubt after plans were submitted last month to knock down a part of the industrial estate that houses the market to make way for 93 affordable homes. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
When we visited the market recently, the sense of community there was clear to see with stallholders calling the site a “sanctuary” and the businesses they run a huge part of their lives.
“70 businesses are going to go under, including me, and this is my livelihood,” said Peter Calford.
Peter helps run his son’s stall, which sells all manner of items his son finds while doing house clearances. The stall has been at the flea market since 2014.
On the proposed development he said: “I’m not too shocked because that’s the way it is these days.
“But it’s still a bit of a shock because just as you start to get yourselves a little bit established, all of a sudden someone wants to come along, demolish it and put houses on it.”
Peter is no longer able to work a conventional job after suffering three separate bleeds on the brain.
“Even though I’m retired at least it gives me something to do and gives me a reason to get out of the house in the morning.”
Dave Morris runs True-Blue, selling vintage vinyl and record players. He was not happy to hear about the plans and is desperate for them not to go ahead.
“It would be a really big pity if it closed down to be honest with you. 70 businesses are going to go under, including me, and this is my livelihood,” he said.
He thinks one of the best things about the market is the sheer variety of what’s on offer.
“I defy anyone to come here and not find something they wouldn’t mind buying. The stallholders here are regular people who are making a living by pursuing their passions.”
For many at the flea market, their stalls not only provide them with income but allow them to celebrate their hobbies and escape from the real world.
Jim Baker runs 8×10, named for the size of his stall. It sells guitars, guitar accessories and music-related clothing. He’s a relative newcomer to the market, having only had his stall for a few months.
He said: “I’d be quite concerned if it had to close because I have a lot of my savings in here, so it would be quite devastating if we had to move.
“There’s 70 of us, all independent. You’re basically shutting the equivalent of a whole high street.”
Like many at the flea market, his business started as a hobby which he says got quickly out-of-hand.
He said: “This isn’t making me any money, but I come here because I’ve not long had a mental health crisis and thought I needed something to do, needed an outlet.
“I wanted to move away from online sales and actually interact with people face-to-face, so for me this has been a sanctuary.”
Richard runs Dixtees and Vintage, specialising in leather jackets and denim jeans. He’s had the stall for a year and is worried what the potential closure might mean, as it’s his sole form of income.
He said: “I think the flea market is a bit of an institution but sadly maybe not many people know about it.
“The stallholders here are regular people who are making a living by pursuing their passions.”
He thinks the cheap rent the flea market charges means he would struggle to afford space anywhere else.
“I wouldn’t like to calculate what the cost would be of more than 60 traders losing their retail space. By definition, the jobs we’re doing mean we’re skating along by the skin of our teeth, and this is only going to add to that,” he said.
“We all help each other, and we all look out for one another.” Jubs Bowen-Lewis has run Aunty’s Attic, selling china, glassware and collectibles, since 2015. She views the stallholders as a big family that she doesn’t want to be split up.
She said: “When I first heard about it, I was rather surprised and shocked. What we would all miss more than anything else is the camaraderie.
“We all help each other, and we all look out for one another, if that’s watching someone else’s stall or anything else you can think of.”
She’s not given up yet though.
“I know plans for the site have been rejected before so hopefully we will be here for another 10 years. Otherwise, I’ll have to sell up, and my husband will have to be dealing with me all the time.”
Married couple Susan and Etienne Evans are the duo behind Elf Collective, where Susan sells homemade jewellery and Etienne performs PAT tests on and repairs lamps.
“I wasn’t terribly surprised really, as we all know we need the houses, and I’d rather they be built here than on a greenfield site,” said Susan.
Her and Etienne are planning on closing their stall in the next year after six years of business, so know the proposals are unlikely to affect them.
“But there’s a lot of people here who need it to make a living on, and I feel very sorry for them,” Susan said.
“Hopefully, if it goes ahead, [the market] will move to a different site and be able to carry on. This place, in my opinion, is like a haven.”
Brian Macken is a regular customer of the market, visiting every week, both to shop at the stalls but also to go to the auction house next door.
Buying, selling, and collecting antiques and collectibles is his passion, and so for him the flea market is like a second home.
“It’d be so, so sad to see this go, these are genuine people who are just trying to make a living.
“It really is an amazing place where you can meet all sorts of interesting people here from all sorts of different backgrounds,” he said.
Brian retired from his work as a carpenter after being diagnosed and subsequently recovering from stage four cancer, which has only deepened his commitment to the hobby.
He said: “My wife is a GP, and even she said that this is the best thing that ever happened to me.
“You name it, you can buy it here.
“This place, in my opinion, is like a haven.”
Dave Raine, one of the partners who runs the flea market, said: “We’re still on a lease and so as far as we’re concerned it’s business as usual.”
The housing plans have been submitted by Pegasus Developments and are up for consultation until May 1.
Get Cardiff news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions, and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
You must be logged in to post a comment Login