The Barcelona City Council will begin the renovation of the Boquería Market before the comprehensive renovation of Las Ramblas is completed. The council has designed a schedule of work that will proceed alongside commercial activity and will extend through the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years.
As confirmed by the Councilor for Commerce and Markets, Raquel Gil, the size of the facility makes a complete relocation of the activity impossible. For this reason, the municipal government will set up a small tent in Plaza de la Gardunya to temporarily house the merchants by sector.
Priority to the central area and the fish market
The architectural work will begin in the central part of the building and in the fish market section, identified as the areas with the most urgent needs. The relocation to the outdoor tent will follow a strict order to minimize disruption to the market vendors. The main objective of this first phase will be to address the obsolescence of a space that currently has functional deficiencies for daily operations.
Once the initial phase is complete, work will focus on removing the fiber-cement roof. This second phase will also include improving the perimeter enclosures, renovating the HVAC systems, and optimizing accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
Connection with the Raval neighborhood
The renovation will not only affect the interior of the market but will also transform its relationship with the surrounding area. The project includes the creation of a new entrance to Plaça de la Gardunya and the widening of the internal aisles to facilitate access to the Raval neighborhood.
This physical transformation will accompany the new commercial model approved by the market vendors last September. The regulations will stipulate that at least 50% of the offerings must consist of fresh produce and traditional commerce. With this measure, the market will reduce the space dedicated to fast food for visitors and promote the sale of deli products, baked goods, and local restaurants.
