The remodelling, improvement and accessibility project for the Plaça del Mercat in Palma, with a budget of 3,500,000 euros funded by the Sustainable Tourism Tax from the Government of the Balearic Islands (ITS), has been recently approved. The works, which are expected to last between one year and a year and a half, will affect a total of 3,984 square metres of the square, as well as an additional 400 metres of the surrounding area. This intervention also ensures that the Antoni Maura monument will remain in its current location, as will the Alaska bar, whose location will not undergo any changes, as reported Mallorca Global Mag in January 2024.

The renovation works at Plaça del Mercat in Palma will last for a year and a half. Photo: Google Street View.

The renovation will take place in an area of great historical, artistic, and cultural value, as Plaça del Mercat in Palma is part of the historic complex designated as a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC). In addition to the square, the works will extend to Plaça Weyler and Unió Street, between Plaça Joan Carles I and the Rambla.

Main actions of the renovation of Plaça del Mercat in Palma:

  • Pavement:
    • Demolition of the current pavement and replacement with irregular cobblestones, similar to those found in other areas of Palma’s historic centre.
    • Creation of a single platform of 2,305 m² in the square.
    • Widening of the curb on Unió Street to gain pedestrian space and removal of vehicle and motorcycle parking in the area near the church of Sant Nicolau and the Audiencia.
  • Mobility:
    • Removal of the perimeter lane in the square, turning it into a completely pedestrian area.
    • Reduction of traffic, allowing only access for residents and emergency vehicles.
    • Relocation of bus stops and the demarcation of the loading and unloading area between 7 and 10 am.
  • Lighting:
    • Replacement of the lighting system with LED fixtures, which are more energy-efficient, durable, and sustainable.
  • Gardens and trees:
    • Expansion of the gardened area, increasing the number of tree pits and planters.
    • Improvements to the permeable surface and soil infiltration.
    • Expansion of the tree pit around the ficus tree in the square.
  • Accessibility:
    • Increase in pedestrian surface area due to the removal of the traffic lane and the widening of the sidewalk on Unió Street.
    • Adaptation to accessibility regulations, including the installation of accessible benches.
  • Sanitation:
    • Implementation of a new stormwater collection network, separate from the wastewater system.
    • Installation of grooved pipes to improve soil infiltration.

Óscar Fidalgo, Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, has stated that the works will be properly agreed upon with the local residents and businesses to ensure the least possible impact.