Rent discount set to continue

Bridgend County Borough Council has further extended its concessionary rent scheme for market traders and occupiers of small industrial units.

The 50 per cent discount will now be in place until 31 August 2021. It forms part of a phased series of concessionary rent rates which were originally introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses as they reopened following the initial pandemic lockdown.

Having already received an initial 75 per cent reduction and a 50 per cent reduction in September 2020, traders were set to benefit from a 25 per cent reduction in October last year.

Instead, the council agreed to extend the 50 per cent reduction and to regularly review it throughout the remainder of the pandemic period.

With pandemic restrictions continuing to ease, it is good to see that Bridgend Indoor Market is once more open for business, and that the ongoing rent discount is supporting traders as they welcome back customers.

Shortly before the pandemic began, the market was revamped and now features new accessible public toilets and baby-changing facilities. It also boasts a central square which, once the pandemic is over, will be used for specialist events, family entertainment and children’s play areas.

Measures are in place to keep customers safe, and include a one-way system, two-metre markings on the floor, hand sanitiser stations and more. Please remember to wear a face covering when visiting the market, unless you are exempt.

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams