The site of an old Woolworths store in Tredegar has become the heart of the town once more after local business owners came together to transform it into an indoor market.
Hundreds of people flocked to the opening of the market last week to grab a bargain and support local businesses in the once declining town centre.
It is the first time there has been an indoor market in Tredegar for 25 years, with dwindling trade threatening to decimate the once bustling town at the heart of the South Wales valleys.
Tredegar resident Ashley Meredith, 37, has lived in the area all his life and was thrilled to see the return of the market after such a long absence.
He said: "I was over the moon when I got here to see that Tredegar has an indoor market again, as it's been missing something like this for many years. I think the town has had a bit of a downfall recently but hopefully now this is a way of getting people to come back.
"It's buzzing here as you can see, and this is how it should be. People used to come from all over the valleys to visit the market in Tredegar and everyone seems very excited to have it here again."
Local MP Nick Smith was on hand alongside High Hopes star Boyd Clack to cut the ceremonial ribbon, and declare Tredegar indoor market officially open.
He too was pleased with the response from the people of Tredegar and hopes it can now be the catalyst for improved business right across the area.
He said: "It's great to see so many people coming here and enjoying the market. Hopefully these sort of places can bring life back to the community of Tredegar and beyond that, in the whole of the borough of Blaenau Gwent.
"If people know there's a place to buy local produce sold by local business owners then I'm sure they will come and shop here regularly.
"They've done a really good job and it's great to see good local businesses on the up. It's obviously early days for them but from what we've seen it looks to have been very successful."
Justin Cross is a local greengrocer from Ebbw Vale who now plans to split his stock between Tredegar and an existing stall in Brynmawr.
He welcomed the chance to expand his business to an area where there is such a need for fresh produce.
He said: "There wasn't another fruit and veg store in the town so I decided to come over and give it a go. It's really important for certain people who can't get out of town, that they have somewhere they can just get on the bus and get their stuff without having to travel for miles."
"It's an expansion for me as well and I'll stay here as long as the people support us. All the customers seemed very glad to have us, and the response has just been amazing."
Leader of the project Gareth Price, 42, believes this could be just the beginning for the venture in Tredegar, as many more stalls are set to join the market place in the coming weeks.
He said: "The area needed something like this. It needs a place for trade, and it needs somewhere for the people to get their daily needs. It's nice to see the old Woolworths store being put to good use for that."
"There's around 12 stalls here now but we have a lot of interest and other retailers signing up to come on board. A lot of shoppers have been showing interest online as well, so I hope they follow through with that and come visit in the future.
"We want the town centre to be a success and this has been a great start for that."
