- The Ayuntamiento of Torrevieja awards the €8.2 million Mercado de abastos renovation contract to Grupo Cobra.
- The project aims to transform the aging market building into a modern gastromarket with 30 commercial stalls.
- Renovation works are expected to start in September 2025 and conclude by early 2027.
- Only 8 of the original 50 market stalls remain open, with plans to preserve those with reduced fees.
- The ayuntamiento plans to concession the management of the renovated market to a private company.
- The project includes significant architectural changes to improve light, accessibility, and urban integration.
- Grupo Cobra’s offer was technically superior despite not being the lowest price among bidders.
The Long-awaited Renovation of Torrevieja’s Mercado de Abastos gets Green Light
After years of delays, legal wrangling, and spiraling costs, the historic mercado de Abastos-known locally as “La Plasa”-in the heart of Torrevieja is finally set for a major conversion. The local government confirmed on August 2025 that the renovation contract has been awarded to Grupo Cobra, a multinational engineering and public works company, signaling the anticipated renovation will become a reality by the end of the current municipal term.
Background: A Market Lost in Time
Once a vibrant commercial hub hosting around 50 stalls,the Mercado de Abastos has witnessed a sharp decline. Today, only eight stalls remain active, serving a diminished community amidst a dilapidated building that replaced the original traditional architecture in 1995 to construct a failed commercial center.
- 1995: Market’s traditional building demolished for a commercial project that ultimately failed.
- As then, commercial activity declined dramatically.
- Recent years saw over six years of announcements but no progress, with costs ballooning past €13.5 million.
contract Awarded to Grupo Cobra
The City Council chose Grupo Cobra’s proposal after a thorough evaluation of technical and economic criteria. Although another company, Grupo Hozono, offered the lowest bid at €8 million, Grupo Cobra’s project scored highest overall.
| Company | Offer (€ Million) | Technical Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grupo Cobra | 8.2 | Highest | Contract Awarded |
| Grupo Hozono | 8.0 | Lower | Not Awarded |
Grupo cobra has reduced its bid by 8% from the initial €8.9 million and proposed a tighter construction timeline of 14 months,trimming down 15 weeks from earlier projections. This means the project could finish by early 2027, just ahead of upcoming municipal elections.
What the Renovation Entails
The complete renovation seeks to breathe new life into the market by improving accessibility, light, and urban integration. Key elements include:
- Removal of all dark, opaque façade enclosures, replaced with glass surfaces.
- Installation of a second external “skin” to balance energy efficiency and aesthetics.
- Partial demolition of the first floor slab to create a double-height central atrium.
- A continuous ground-floor circuit connecting directly to Plaza Isabel II.
- A spiral staircase linking the ground floor to an open-plan mezzanine with added facilities.
- Incorporation of natural light through two skylights.
- Transformation into a modern “gastromarket” with 30 commercial stalls, blending tradition and modern commerce.
Supporting Local Vendors Amid Change
The ayuntamiento has pledged to maintain the eight surviving vendors in the renovated market with reduced fees as part of its commitment to preserving local commerce traditions. Though,two of the current stallholders have opted not to return once the market reopens.
Concession for Market Management
In parallel with renovation works,the City Council plans to tender the operational management of the Mercado de Abastos on a concession basis. This involves a private company managing the space,charged with revitalizing the market through a business model aimed at financial sustainability and vibrant urban life. The concession will cover the ground floor and a mezzanine level, allowing mixed use for traditional market commerce and hospitality.
Looking Ahead: Construction Timeline and Impact
- Expected start of works: Late September 2025 (pending no appeals).
- Estimated completion: First quarter of 2027.
- Planned partial building handover during construction to accelerate usage.
- Intended result: Become a strategic urban hub combining gastronomy and commerce.
What This Means for Torrevieja
The ambitious project embodies the City Council’s effort to reclaim and modernize a strategic urban asset that had long been neglected. By fostering a blend of tradition and modernity-through the gastromarket concept and open design-the renovation aims to stimulate economic activity, tourism, and community engagement in the city center.
Grupo Cobra’s debut contract in Torrevieja also highlights a shift in public infrastructure partnerships, favoring companies with strong technical proposals and international experience.