A former supermarket building in the centre of a bustling Gwent town could now become flats and shops after being snapped up at auction.
The former Somerfield supermarket building in Blackwood, Caerphilly borough, which closed as a supermarket in 2007, was sold at Paul Fosh Auctions.
Listed with a guide price of £100,000 Unit 23B and C, at The Market Place Shopping Centre in Blackwood, sold for £125,000 after strong bidding.
Starting at the guide price bids from a total of four eager bidders flooded in with a total of 22 bids with eventually two of them battling it out to secure the prize.
PRIME LOCATION

Debra Bisley, who was handling the sale for South Wales-based Paul Fosh Auctions, says: “The property, which is in a prime location, presents huge potential for the new owner.
“It offers a rare and strategic opportunity, subject to obtaining the relevant permissions, to develop what is a 13,500 sq. ft. mixed-use unit in the heart of Blackwood’s bustling Market Place Shopping Centre.
“The versatile space offers excellent development potential with pre-drafted architect’s plans for conversion into 20-25 residential flats alongside a 4,500 sq ft retail unit ideal for a flagship shop, café or leisure space. There are also architects’ plans showing the potential for development of 47 flats on the site.”
COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE

And she adds: “The Market Place Shopping Centre is a cornerstone of Blackwood’s community, offering immediate access to supermarkets, Aldi and Tesco, high-street brands, and independent retailers.
“It is close to leisure facilities including Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre and Blackwood Miners’ Institute and is also adjacent to scenic outdoor spaces like Sirhowy Valley Walk and Parc Penallta.”