Support for municipal markets

This measure seeks to help small businesses to adapt to the digitalisation of the trade sector and to the changed consumer behaviour. This investment line covers projects submitted by local authorities for the modernisation of municipal markets, commercial areas, non-sedentary sales markets and short marketing channels, under the ‘Sustainable Markets’ program (130 projects).

Eligible projects under this program include: a. Projects in the adoption of customer insight tools based on big data or other technologies; b. Projects in the digital transformation of markets that improve omni-channel marketplace and shopping experience; c. Projects aimed at the digital transformation of street commerce and short marketing channels; d. Projects in works and refurbishment to improve facilities, their accessibility, equipment and adequacy of the areas occupied by municipal markets, commercial areas and non-sedentary markets, and their adjacent areas; e. Projects to reduce the consumption of inputs by commerce and the substitution of these for environmentally friendly alternatives; f. Installation of smart delivery points; g. Projects to improve energy efficiency; h. Actions that promote the recycling or reuse of waste; i. Awareness-raising and training in technological skills.

Examples of investments at local level:

Modernisation of municipal markets in Terrassa (Barcelona)

The city of Terrasa (Tarragona) will receive EUR 1.9 million to carry out the first phase of the project to adapt municipal markets and their activity to economic and environmental sustainability, as well as to bring digitalisation closer to their processes to meet the needs of buyers and new consumption habits.

The project of improvement and modernisation of municipal markets has a cost of EUR 4.7 million. It is divided into different phases, to minimise the impact on the daily activity of the markets. Under a call supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the EUR 2,488,730.15million project will receive EUR 1,990,984.12 from the Ministry for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, MINCOTUR, (EUR 497,746.03 come from municipal contribution).

This first phase of the works has already begun with the submission of tenders.

With a budget of EUR 1,867,895, the transformation of the points of sale is the largest block of the actions of this phase. And specifically, the refurbishment works of the Independence Market are allocated most of the budget, EUR 1,466,037.85. The priority of these works at this stage will be the improvement of thermal comfort, through the repair of the roofs, with sustainability criteria related to energy demand; the structure and the linear skylight, with the incorporation of ventilation control systems; as well as the sanitation system. In a second phase of actions of the project, which belongs to this block, the repair of the openings and shutters of the facade is foreseen and the third phase will focus on the repair of facades, firefighting of the structure and finishing of interior finishes.

Boosting local digital and sustainable markets in the Cellera de Ter and Ter-Brugent (Girona)

The VINCULA TERRITORI project’s objective is the promotion and sustainable digital transformation of the commercial activity of the Ter-Brugent rural area in the region of La Selva, with its epicenter in the municipality of La Cellera de Ter. It includes the modernisation of the weekly market of La Cellera with the construction of public washbasins, the installation of digital totems and free Wi-Fi zone, the extension of paved areas and a new cover with photovoltaic plates.

Luces y sombras: improving trade in el Moralo

Funded with EUR 629,108 Navalmoral de la Mata City Council proposes actions with a focus on strengthening the local trade fabric, improving its road infrastructure through the installation of awnings, building technological tools to facilitate co-governance of the commercial sector and local administration. Developing technological tools, integrated into the city’s smart systems, citizen awareness programmes leading to the circular economy and sustainability, through the direct involvement of the commercial fabric in the implementation of incentive and reward schemes in the separate collection of packaging and recyclable waste.

Project for the promotion and digital transformation of trade in Villaviciosa (Villavicios-Asturias)

This project received EUR 1,121,120.

Project Alíate con Fuenlabrada – Comprehensive Project on Awareness, Digital Transformation and Access to More Sustainable and Resilient Local Trade

With funding of EUR 1,069,440 the plan provides for communication, information and awareness-raising campaigns; improvement of signage, accessibility and urban development in the commercial area of the central district, specifically on the Leganés street.

It also includes the installation of a large LED screen in the Tomás and Valid cultural centre to promote the city’s shops, the running of trade fairs, an action plan to promote local trade, as well as training for traders and information on the circular economy.

In addition, the Agricultural Park will be given new outlets for the sale of its products.