Stalls from Barcelona's iconic Boqueria Market will temporarily relocate to a marquee in Plaça de la Gardunya to allow for extensive renovation works, which are set to begin before the Rambla reform concludes in spring 2027.
The relocation will occur in phases and by sector, as moving the entire market at once is "impossible" due to its size, according to Raquel Gil, Barcelona's Councillor for Commerce and Markets. The initial phase will focus on the fish stalls and the central section, which are deemed the most urgent.
The renovation aims to open the market more effectively to the Raval neighbourhood, creating a new access point via Plaça de la Gardunya and improving internal corridors to enhance connectivity. Councillor Gil clarified that the market will not be "100% remodelled" in one go, but rather tackled sector by sector.
Gil described the Boqueria Market's remodelling as a significant undertaking because "the space has become obsolete and is uncomfortable for stallholders". The first areas to be addressed are the central part and the fish sector.
Phased Renovation and Modernisation
A second phase of the project is planned to remove the existing fibrocement roof, improve the building's enclosures, upgrade climate control systems, and enhance overall accessibility. The municipal government is currently working on the tender processes for these works.
While the Rambla reform is expected to finish in spring 2027, officials anticipate that visible changes at the Boqueria will start around that time, with works continuing throughout 2027 and 2028.
Separately, in September, stallholders approved their own reform plan to revitalise the market and reduce its tourist-centric focus. This plan stipulates that at least half of the market's offering must be traditional produce, emphasising fresh products, charcuterie, fish, bakery items, and restaurants. The initiative also seeks to reduce the amount of fast food aimed at tourists.
Plaça de la Gardunya, the temporary home for some stalls, is known for its frequent presence of seagulls. To mitigate this, special bins with lateral openings have been installed to prevent the birds from emptying them and scattering waste.
With tendering underway, the city council expects the phased renovation to transform the Boqueria Market, ensuring its modernisation while preserving its traditional character and better integrating it with the surrounding Raval area in the coming years.
