Terrassa City Council is starting a participatory process on the future of Mercat del Triomf, beginning with a public survey of users’ shopping habits and expectations. The process will inform a future model for the market that retains its traditional trade while considering new uses and activities.

For residents and regular shoppers, the survey is the first opportunity to influence the services and activities offered at the market. The council’s stated aim is to understand how people use the facility before opening a wider debate on its future.

Busy established stalls, vacant premises

Traders told APD Notícies that the market’s long-standing businesses have a loyal customer base, even as many units remain empty and new operators are hard to attract.

Laura, of Fruites i Verdures Carolina, described the contrast between the established businesses and the challenge facing prospective traders.

“The stalls that have been here forever are very busy, we have a lot of work and we are doing very well, but it is very hard to start a new business.”

Josep Antoni García, of the Mari Juanita butcher’s shop, linked the shortage of new traders to the high initial investment required to become self-employed and uncertainty over the return. Juan Bautista García, from the Panets bar, said the costs faced by prospective concession-holders should be reviewed.

  • Laura proposed more spaces for prepared food, reflecting changing shopping habits.
  • She also called for better parking nearby and free parking for market visitors.
  • Juan Bautista García suggested afternoon activities during city events such as the Festa Major, after market stalls have closed.

Traders point to an established customer base

Ignasi Torres, who runs Ignasi Peix a Platja, said Mercat del Triomf draws neighbourhood residents, regular customers from nearby areas and shoppers from elsewhere in Terrassa and outside the municipality.

Torres cited the Mushroom Fair and summer workshops as activities that have increased the market’s visibility. The citizen survey is due to provide the first input into the council’s discussion of how the market should develop.

Reported by Source Text Link, apdnoticies.com.