Long-Awaited Restoration Begins After 140 Years

The rehabilitation of Mercat d'Hostafrancs, a protected Cultural Asset of Local Interest in Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc district, will begin this winter, with work expected to start by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The project follows decades of calls from stallholders for improvements to the 1888 building, designed by architect Antoni Rovira i Trias and identical to the Concepció Market. Àfrica Cardona, manager of the Sants-Montjuïc District, confirmed that the final project is still being drafted but that the timeline depends on completing heritage studies and technical planning. The restoration will focus on three main areas: the recovery and enhancement of the historic facade, replacement of the current fibre cement roof, and the general rehabilitation of the protected structure.

Stallholders Seek Minimal Disruption

Òscar Alonso, president of the Hostafrancs Market Stallholders' Association, welcomed the planned upgrades but stressed the need to avoid relocation. He stated the association has explicitly opposed being moved to a temporary tent, citing the financial burden of building new stalls and paying for additional rental space despite already holding long-standing concessions. A key improvement for vendors will be the relocation of cold rooms from the basement to the ground floor, aligning them with market stalls and easing daily operations. Cardona confirmed that stallholders have been consulted on the work schedule, with plans aiming to minimise disruption to commercial activity.

  • Historic market opened in 1888
  • Undergone renovations in 1980s and 1990s
  • Current layout features two floors, unlike original single nave
  • Building spans 3,040 m² on a detached plot

Pavement Widening and Stall Relocation Under Review

As part of broader public space improvements in Hostafrancs scheduled through 2026, officials are studying the possibility of widening the pavement on Carrer de la Creu Coberta. This could involve relocating some outdoor stalls currently operating in front of the market. One proposal under discussion is to integrate certain outdoor vendors into the renovated building, freeing up space outside. Cardona noted that while this idea is being evaluated, no final decisions have been made. Alonso added that around half of the outdoor stalls on Creu Coberta have already disappeared, and any further moves would require direct agreement with affected traders. More information about the market and its services is available on the Barcelona City Council’s Mercats website.

"The plan is to start the works at the end of 2026, or at the beginning of 2027, once the heritage studies and project drafting are completed.", Àfrica Cardona, Sants-Montjuïc District Manager

Sources: El 3 (el3.cat), Ajuntament de Barcelona.