Designed by Fajardo & T10 Arquitectos and inspired by traditional public squares, Marbella's new town centre gourmet market will be managed by Grupo Alfil and open towards the end of November 2016 – just in time for Christmas and New Year. For those living in Marbella permanently, the foodies' market is a welcome addition to local amenities. For tourists, it's a great place to discover Andalusia's delicious artisan foods.
Offering a blend of traditional and modern architecture, the new gourmet market will cost around half a million Euros to build. Developer Francisco Gómez hopes works will be completed by the end of November. The privately funded project is supported by local entrepreneurs and was presented by the architects in the presence of Marbella's mayor, José Bernal, at a recent press conference. The mayor expressed his hopes that the new gourmet market will breathe new life into Marbella's centre and create new jobs for locals.
Spanning 470 square metres and located on the ground floor of the Edifici Alfil Building, the gourmet market will offer products buyers can take away or consume directly at the market stall. The market square will comprise of a large central open space with stalls lining the perimeter.
The design is taking inspiration from both modern as well as historical architecture, looking to local heritage in particular. For example, there will be a reproduction of ancient Roman mosaics, as found in Marbella's very own Roman villa at Rio Verde. As to the overall layout, it will show typical Andalusian village architecture, complete with a cosy corner that resembles Marbella Old Town.
The town's 18th and 19th century industrial and mining heritage has not been forgotten either. Various interesting objects such as wagons used to transport mining produce will be on display at the square, including a carriage to remind visitors of the days when horse-drawn carriages were bringing travellers to Marbella in the 19th century.
A local hero of Marbella's earliest tourism sector is also being honoured with various features: Ricardo Soriano was a local inventor, but also played a vital role in promoting Marbella as a tourist destination. He is commemorated in the name of a street, from where visitors will have access to the new gourmet market via one of three entrances.
Architect Emilio Fajardo enthused at the press conference: “We have 470 square metres of space in a wonderful setting, with entrances from different cardinal points, and we think it will look just like another of the town’s squares; that was the principal idea that we followed when we developed the rest of the project, adding elements which we considered essential to define the history of our town.”
Winners of a Competition
In total, 19 firms competed for the job of designing the new gourmet square, but the panel comprising of chef Dani Garcia, Begoña Castillo, the head of the CIT Marbella; the president of DOM, Sofia Polo, Paco García, the director of El Lago restaurant, Rafael de la Fuente, former director of La Cónsula, and the first director of the Bellamar Hotel School, Leonardo Llorente, chose architects Fajardo as the most pleasing proposal.
According to the developer, some 60 applications have already been received from artisans interested in running stalls. A careful selection process will ensure that the gourmet market offers the greatest possible choice and variety to visitors.
Most importantly, the gourmet market is to appear as authentic as possible, which means that at least in principle franchised brands won't be present. The developer also explained that, if successful, the concept of Abastos & Viandas will be expanded across the country.
It's another feather in Marbella's culinary cap as far as international foodies are concerned, many of whom travel to the town specially to indulge in local food at some of the Costa del Sol's finest restaurants.