Traders demand timeline for long-delayed renovation

Stallholders operating outside Collblanc Market in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat say they will take legal action against Mayor David Quirós and his administration over the stalled renovation of the nearly century-old market. The exterior traders, who have negotiated with the city council since 2018, cite structural deterioration they describe as dangerous and say the project has been left in limbo since the change in municipal leadership. The previous administration, led by former mayor Núria Marín, agreed with traders to finalise the design of a comprehensive renovation by December 2024. However, since Quirós took office, traders report no clear timeline or commitment, despite a council resolution in November 2024 approving a budget reallocation to fund the interior renovation.

"The market is falling apart"

"The market is falling apart,"

Members of the exterior stallholders' association told Metrópoli they have endured structural deficiencies for years. One vendor recalled how a stall façade collapsed, leaving the frame exposed: "They had to come urgently to fix it, otherwise the stall would have been open that weekend." Counters are worn, floor tiles are lifting, and damp stains mark the walls. "It looks bad for our customers," said Chelo, an exterior vendor. The building has not undergone renovation since 1989, and traders also report leaks and the presence of asbestos in the roof coverings.

Council approves funding, but relocation plan divides traders

In a November 2024 plenary session, L'Hospitalet's city council approved a credit modification to finance improvements including the interior renovation of Collblanc Market, with support from the PSC and Comuns and opposition from ERC, PP, and Vox. As part of the plan, all exterior stalls will be moved inside during construction, which will proceed in phases. However, some traders remain sceptical. A preliminary project presented by the council has raised concerns that the renovated space may resemble a commercial centre rather than a traditional market. Meanwhile, the council has approved a temporary relocation plan for exterior stalls during construction. Despite these steps, traders insist that without a firm start date and inclusive planning, the project risks further delay, and they are now preparing to pursue legal remedies.

Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, El Llobregat, El Periódico, Carla Stavraky, Gerard Rengel, Àlex Rebollo, Sofía Díaz, lhdigital.cat.