The Bailén market is filled with light and two 'squares': the work will be finished by Christmas

At the heart of the Bailén neighborhood is its market. It is the nerve center, although in recent years it has not been as vibrant as it used to be, which is why the ongoing remodeling, already indicated by the interest in the twenty vacant stalls, is expected to be a revitalizing force.

The construction, which started in June 2024, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by Christmas this year 2025, the golden season for sales. There were several false starts in 2022, but a change of contractor and other modifications meant that it finally began last summer. A unique aspect of the construction is that the merchants did not have to vacate their stalls, as the work area was moved around in such a way that the stalls were relocated to accommodate and continue selling. The project is designed by architect Ignacio Dorao and is being executed by the joint venture Actüa-Herysan, which bid 2.5 million euros for the project, with a construction period of 18 months.

Elisa Pérez de Siles, the Councilor for Commerce and spokesperson for the Popular Party in the Málaga City Council, visits the development of the works and asks merchants about their thoughts on the update and revitalization of a market, which has indeed gained a lot of light. Previously, the main facade was made up of a compact wall, which blocked the light, and now large windows have been installed that enhance a 'grand plaza', covering 280 square meters, which will include two dining establishments within an open space, where there will also be dynamic activities such as show cookings, promoting the Mediterranean diet or the importance of consuming kilometer zero products sold at this market. "In short, there will be new spaces for participation and diversification; in this 'plaza' (main facade facing Bailén square) there will be two dining businesses, and in the second (back door, Natalia street), where we are considering finally having another hospitality business," emphasizes Pérez de Siles.

The reduction of stalls has been vital for the new restructuring, as it greatly improves communications within the market. It used to be labyrinthine, easy to get lost if you were not familiar with the layout, and with the new construction, which is already showing its face, there will be wide corridors perpendicular to the central area. From 107 stalls there are now 91 and 3 for hospitality, and as the work progresses, the twenty unoccupied stalls, which already have demand, will be released, highlights Pérez de Siles, who is accompanied on this day by the advisor of the area, Alegría Novo.

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Councilor for Commerce, Elisa Pérez de Siles, in the 'grand plaza' of the Bailén market, covering 280 square meters, facing the main facade.

Stalls more visible and uniform in their image

The best part of the new layout is that all stalls will have corners, making them easily visible to shoppers, and the uniform image of the stalls, such as signage and colors, similar to other already renovated markets, will make it a more attractive, modern, and homogeneous space, as the old neon signs, which had different shapes and colors, will be removed. The corporate image of the stalls is now tricolor: white, brown leaning towards mustard, and gray.

As with all good works, there will be substantial changes that will not be visible, but will be perceptible. On one hand, the roofs have been waterproofed, which had serious leak problems whenever it rained, the entire fire system has been completely renewed, new toilets have been installed, and most importantly for the summer: a new air conditioning system, as this market used to feel a significant increase in temperatures inside. At the butchery Carlos and Gertrudis and sons, José Carlos Martínez and Mariló Salido, show the new design of the stall, with which they are pleased. Now they just need to receive their sign and place it at the top.

Pérez de Siles is satisfied with the progress of the work, which is at 56%, "which leads us to believe that we will reach the goal of inaugurating it by Christmas, not only the market but the two large 'plazas' for neighborhood use; we will have a facade with windows to bring in light and make the market permeable, modern facilities with visible stalls and uniform image and new air conditioning. We only hope that the neighbors find a place to participate and meet with groups and do their shopping."