Container Market: Goodsheds, the UK’s First Urban High Street

Barry, Wales

Container Case Study

Goodsheds is a shipping container market containing restaurants, bars, shops, and pop-ups in Barry, Wales.

Property developer Loft Co approached Lion Containers with plans for an urban high street. The Welsh Government and Vale of Glamorgan local authority supported the scheme, making it the first of its kind in the UK.

As the concept had never been attempted on this scale before, the project required an industry leader. The developers chose Lion Containers to provide, fabricate, and install the modified shipping containers that brought the container market vision to life.

The challenge was clear: create a vibrant, flexible container market that supported food, drink, retail, and office spaces, while ensuring durability and meeting tight deadlines.

How Did Lion Containers Provide the Solution?

Lion Containers supplied and converted 52 shipping containers to create the Goodsheds container market.

Design and Build

• Each shipping container was modified, repainted, and adapted for its specific purpose.
• Containers were stacked and arranged to form a lively high street-style layout.
• Flexible designs meant retailers, food vendors, and other businesses could personalise their units.

Versatile Spaces

• Retail units provided for independent shops and growing businesses.
• Food and drink containers fitted with serving hatches, ventilation, and safety features.
• Office containers created professional, comfortable workspaces.

What Results Did the Container Market Deliver?

Goodsheds became the first project of its kind in the UK. Independent traders, restaurants, and office tenants now thrive in a flexible, modern space. The scheme set a benchmark for future container-based leisure and retail developments.

Case Study

Summary

Why Choose Lion Containers for Container Market Projects?

Lion Containers is trusted to deliver high-profile container market projects across the UK. Lion’s expertise covers:

• Supplying and modifying large numbers of containers for commercial use.
• Creating bespoke layouts for shops, restaurants, bars, and office space.
• Delivering large-scale projects under tight deadlines.
• Building durable, attractive, and adaptable spaces that support long-term growth for your business.

Whether you’re planning a small pop-up market or a full container market high street, Lion Containers has the knowledge, team, and experience to make it happen. Speak to our team for more information.

FAQs- Container Market Projects

What is a container market?

A container market is a high street or leisure hub built from repurposed shipping containers. It offers flexible, durable spaces for retail, food, drink, and office use.

Have you made any other container markets?

Yes, we have been a part of other big projects in the UK such as Cargo in Bristol and Ffos Caerfilli in South Wales.

Why use containers for markets?

Containers are modular, secure, and quick to convert, making them ideal for projects that need to launch fast.

Can a container market support both retail and hospitality?

Yes- our projects combine shops, restaurants, bars, and offices in one seamless development.

How long does it take to build a container market?

Large-scale builds like Goodsheds take on average 2-3 months, while smaller schemes can be ready in weeks.