Elche presents the project for the renovation of two of its markets

Elche has presented the basic project for the renovation of two of the city's markets. These actions will modernize the Carrús neighborhood and improve services. "The markets of Plaza Barcelona and Plaza Madrid are two poles of economy and integration of commerce with the environment in such an important neighborhood," said the mayor, Pablo Ruz, who met with the stallholders on Monday to present this action to them.

Precisely, the contract for drafting the project and directing the works of the Plaza de Barcelona market has already been awarded for a total of 85,735 euros and that of Plaza Madrid for 67,155 euros. Now the drafting period begins, which will include the opinions and proposals of the stallholders. "The markets will be as the stallholders want," Ruz stated. In fact, a commission has been created in each market where a group of people will act as interlocutors with the architects in charge of the projects.

After the drafting period of the projects, the tendering of the works will be launched, with the aim that the work will begin next summer, alongside the sociocultural space in Jayton, and will last for about 10 months. According to Ruz, "there has been good willingness from the stallholders, who are aware of the importance of this action and the inconveniences it may cause for a few months, but it will be worth it."

The action will focus on the exterior renovation with improvements to the facades and roofs, as well as changes in floors, enclosures, lighting, or ventilation systems. The Mercado de la Plaza de Barcelona will allocate the ground floor for stalls, with the relocation of the stallholders from the upper floor, and the first floor will be used for municipal offices. "It is about decentralizing the municipal administration and bringing it to the neighborhoods." In the case of Plaza Madrid, the market will occupy both floors, which somewhat complicates the works.

"These are two simple projects, but with a total investment of around 2 million euros." In this regard, Ruz explained that the idea is "to try to fit it with European funds, if not the City Council would assume it with its own funds."

The Plaza de Madrid Market dates back to 1970 and in 1994 the first renovation of this space was carried out. In the case of the Plaza de Barcelona Market, it was built in 1967 and it was in 1992 when the improvement of the space was made.

"This municipal government is committed to the Carrús neighborhood," said the mayor, who recalled that the comprehensive renovation works of José García Ferrández street and the new facilities of the Local Police in Plaza 1 de Mayo are already underway. In addition, in November the action in Ausiàs March will begin and the works of the great project of the sociocultural space of Jayton will start next summer.