The Newtown Market Hall was recently reopened thanks to a grant from the Community Asset Transfer programme. One of our Funding Officers, Hywel Lovgreen, who has lived in Newtown for almost all his life tells us what the market hall is like now that it’s been reopened.

“I had the pleasure to attend the official opening of Newtown Market Hall recently. As a person who has lived in Newtown for almost 50 years I felt a real sense of pride and satisfaction to see National Lottery funding having such an impact in my home town.

“The market hall has always been there, having been built in 1870, and I have some fond memories of it; my eldest daughter had her first Saturday job on Do’s pet stall in the 90’s! But despite the numerous and changing stalls and small businesses supported, the hall never held any community events, there was no centenary celebrations in 1970, and it always looked tired and unloved.

“I visited again when it was finally opened to the public to view, and saw the immediate community benefit. There were people of all ages sitting together, having cups of tea, watching the local popular band, the Trensetts, belt out their classic 60’s hits from the balcony, and commenting how wonderful the building now was and how long it had been since they had seen each other!

“Not being biased, but I think that the project (funded by the Community Asset Transfer programme) is a great example of our funding supporting the regeneration a community, and I’m sure this will be well evidenced over the coming years. I am definitely looking forward to a varied series of community events to celebrate its 150^th anniversary in 2020.”

Find out more about the Community Asset Transfer programme by clicking here.

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