Urban explorers break into Swindon's abandoned Tented Market

The long-abandoned structure has sat empty for a number of years in the Wharf Green area of the town's shopping hub. 

But recently construction workers were seen ripping out the inside of the structure that once housed several independent retailers. 

The video that shows what the Tented Market looked like before this happened was posted on the YouTube channel Kirbz Vids and in it, many of the shop units inside were seen in a clearly dilapidated state. 

The tented market (Image: Dave Cox)

Abandoned Christmas decorations, left-behind film standees and cardboard cut-outs, and even a dusty shisha pipe were all seen as reminders of the bustling businesses that had either moved elsewhere, or closed for good. 

Businesses like The Incredible Comic Shop, Brittens Beds, Vape Nina, Lazy Frog could be seen and there was even the remnants of a failed attempt to keep the market open with a 'save our tent market' sign. 

The unnamed explorer also visited the market office, the plant room and the raised roofing area during their search of the place.

The Tented Market was built in 1994 and closed in 2017 - just 23 years later. 

The archetypal ‘fairground’ design that was chosen for it was thought to be reminiscent of traditional attractions which were often featured on market days. 

The market was earmarked for demolition following its closure with plans for an 11-storey block to replace it. 

These plans included a range of restaurants and shops on the ground floor, and then 95 flats on the other then floors. 

But the planning application for this development has expired. 

Despite this, work has been underway at the site, with construction workers spotted inside the market, tearing down all of the individual stalls. 

One of the workers said: “We’re just ripping it out for now.

"It is just staying as it is; it is just getting ripped out for now.”

Rubble and fabric could be seen on the floor while cables hung from the ceiling.

Another eyewitness said he had seen furniture being moved out of the market.

The tented market is owned by development companies CJV Properties, a subsidiary of Panther Securities Plc.

Panther Securities and Swindon Borough Council have been contacted for more information. The workers could not tell the Adver who to contact for more information.