A new and innovative community hub and boutique market space has been launched at a historic Ruthin landmark.
The town’s Grade 2-listed Market Hall has been redeveloped as a multi-purpose venue for artisan and independent traders, artists and creatives, and sustainable food and wellbeing organisations from across the region.
Managed by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) – with support from the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund via Denbighshire County Council – the aim was to create a warm, welcoming environment, reinforced by the inclusion of a ‘social supermarket’ and ‘wellbeing café’.
DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham is confident they have achieved that vision and was delighted to unveil the revamped site alongside dignitaries such as the Mayor of Ruthin, Cllr Heather Williams, and Cllr Hugh Evans, Denbighshire County Council's Lead Member for the Economy.
“We are delighted to launch this new and ambitious social business, with the Ruthin Market Hall providing the central focus for a range of food and wellbeing enterprises,” said Mr Barham.
“This project will be an exemplar in rejuvenating a historic local building, encouraging volunteering, promoting enterprise and inspiring young people to be social entrepreneurs.”
He added: “We are committed to serving the needs of Ruthin – and the whole of Denbighshire – in trying to improve wellbeing through food, culture and enterprise.
“We also plan to support climate action, ethical trading and the circular and green economies, so it’s a very important initiative.”
Cllr Evans was in agreement and thanked the DVSC for bringing the popular building back to use.
“The Market Hall is well-placed strategically in Ruthin and will provide a focus for a wide range of food and wellbeing projects from 2022 onwards,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing the market here again and also this being a hub for the community and businesses.”
Clwyd West MP David Jones was also in attendance and added:
“I’m so pleased to see the restoration of the historic Market Hall, which is going to again be a huge asset to the town and wider area.
“It’s the first of many improvements and developments we hope to see here in Ruthin over the coming months – there are exciting times ahead.”
Funded by Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), DVSC delivers third sector support across the region through volunteering, training, guidance and advice, by offering grants and funding support, and networking to help influence public services.
For more information, visit www.dvsc.co.uk or email tom@dvsc.co.uk. Follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.
