Three decades waiting to start renovation works at Bolhão Market

The international public tender for the "Restoration and Modernization of the Bolhão Market" with publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, is launched this Monday, December 19, 2017.

The construction, repair and renewal work carried out are intended to last 720 days, taking place by mid-2017 and will cost 25 million euros.

Porto City Hall, through its municipal company Management of Public Works (GOP), preferred to launch a limited bid by pre-qualification that should be completed by the end of January 2017. Only candidates that meet the technical and financial requirements set out in the contest shall be eligible for this selection phase.

The project "Restoration and Modernization of the Bolhão Market" will have a total estimated duration of 720 days. The market is set for comprehensive rehabilitation renewal of the building itself and surrounding area, and also the construction of a technical basement.

The tender will be launched with a budget of 25 million euros, the winning bid is held to deadlines concerning outdoor retailer works within 480 days maximum and all work on the roof must be completed within 600 days maximum.

Rui Moreira, who won the elections in 2013, promised to maintain the building's original architectural design features and to maintain it as the city's most important fresh market with its traditional sellers.

The announcement by the Porto City Hall, in January 2016, that the project has been approved by the Directorate-General for Culture was significant for the project onset. A solution to install the temporary market during the works, has been put forward. 

Early December, the first advertising campaign to promote Bolhão Market and its sellers, was launched, one of a kind initiative in 100 years' time, aiming at consolidating consumer trader relationship while the rehabilitation works take place, estimated to be completed by 2019.