Old market takes on new life in Huercal Overa

HUERCAL-OVERA’S old covered market no longer lies empty.

Unused after a €1.5 million makeover by the previous corporation, it has been re-named Comercial Kilometro 0 with a grand opening that was attended by approximately 1,000 people.

The renovated market building houses 37 businesses paying a minimal €75 rent for stalls. Twenty six are new businesses in a town hall initiative aimed at assisting start-ups and boosting local businesses.

The market’s ground floor is occupied by food stalls with the upstairs area covering everything from clothes and photographic equipment to musical instruments and a canine boutique.

“This follows the same line that we have taken in encouraging local trade and setting up a municipal aid programme that makes €2,500 available for start-ups,” said Trade and Employment councillor Monica Navarro.

Twelve of the new stallholders had applied for this funding which has already benefited 120 local businesses, the councillor revealed. “We pioneered this type of initiative which has since been copied by other towns in the province.”

The mayor Domingo Fernandez was determined to turn the market into an opportunity for everyone, Navarro said. The project had required months of hard work, nerves and enthusiasm to ensure that Comercial Kilometro 0 becomes part of the town’s day-to-day life, she added.