Central Public Market
PORTO ALEGRE – RIO GRANDE DO SUL
The market as an anchor for downtown requalification
Markets have been an important part of commerce in Brazilian cities, especially after the 19th century. On one hand, they represent the place where people by food and non-food products, but beyond this tend to be the place where the heart of the city is found. Before food distribution chains had come in play, small traders were the city’s only source for purchasing and selling stock.
Local commerce, in particular, the municipal markets are currently experiencing strong economic pressure. In this context, a viability study was conducted for Public Central Market of Porto Alegre. The study consisted of analysis of existing information relative to the special structure of the market and its logistical, economic and management structure., in addition to a comparative study of other Brazilian and international municipal markets.
The study has an objective to structure the partnership between the Commerce Association of the Public Central Market of Porto Alegre and the municipal management, resulting in different scenarios for the structuring of the partnership. Developed by a multidisciplinary team, the work also covered the operational and economic-financial study, in addition to structuring the legal model.
The Public Central Market of Porto Alegre is situated in the Historic center of the city, an area of mixed use and of historic, cultural and touristic significance to the city.
Its strategic location connects the important roads of the region and is only 8.4km from Salgado Filho International Airport. Furthermore, the market is inserted into the node of public transport and the railway network of Porto Alegre and the Metropolitan Region.
Highly representative of the context in which it is inserted, the Market reinforces the location’s potential as an urban center and a strategic point in the city dynamic; it has recognized historic and cultural value and is integrated into the daily life of the population. In addition to the opportunity to enhance the existing cultural axis, there is an importance in valuing the affective paths of residents and tourists of Porto Alegre, including places of collective memory belonging to this circuit. In this way, a greater connection of urban life in the historic center in sought, the strengthening of history and culture of the city and the insertion of municipal markets in the touristic circuit of both the municipality and the region.
Presently, the Market counts over 100 establishments with a variety of activities and is an example in both service and in the relationships between clients/visitors and the permit holder (sellers). In addition to the historical stalls that have been a part of the ‘gaucho’ history for generations (gaucho: culture from the south of Brazil), the Market is a stage for cultural manifestations, religious festivities, events and fairs.
Therefore, in addition to being one of the main supply centers in the city, the Market represents an important public space of exchanges and diversity. With great potential to strengthen as a tourist attraction, directed at those interested in tasting exotic flavors, popular and traditional plates, as well as a social and cultural experience.
Faced with the opportunities of the Market’s strategic location, the consolidation of a network of equipment in the historic center, the strong presence and involvement of the permit holders in the management of the space, the new global trends and the recognition of the building’s historical memory, the study outlined a few guidelines with the intention to strengthen the Market as a large multi-use destination, modernized and aligned with the current context and demands, in addition to being managed by the permit holders themselves.
The guidelines include strategies linked to sustainability and innovation, the creation of multi-use spaces, the strengthening of tourist appeal, the valorization of culture of local memory and the extension of public space from the surroundings.
Faced with the opportunities of the Market’s strategic location, the consolidation of a network of equipment in the historic center, the strong presence and involvement of the permit holders in the management of the space, the new global trends and the recognition of the building’s historical memory, the study outlined a few guidelines with the intention to strengthen the Market as a large multi-use destination, modernized and aligned with the current context and demands, in addition to being managed by the permit holders themselves.
The guidelines include strategies linked to sustainability and innovation, the creation of multi-use spaces, the strengthening of tourist appeal, the valorization of culture of local memory and the extension of public space from the surroundings.
