Renovation of Plaza del Mercat in Palma: What Residents and Visitors Can Expect

The square in front of the market gets a new look — and calm

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The Plaça del Mercat in Palma is facing a major change. The city council has approved the redevelopment project for Plaza del Mercat and the adjacent Calle Unió. In practical terms: level access, a continuous floor surface, and a more modern rainwater system – in short: fewer trip hazards and fewer puddles after a summer rain.

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When it starts and how long

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The works are scheduled to start in mid-2026 and take around 20 months, according to the city. Budget: about 4.4 million euros. If everything goes according to plan, the area should be usable again in its new form by late 2027 or early 2028. The city emphasizes that the measures will be phased so that the Plaza is not burdened at the same time as other major projects such as the renovation of Plaza Mayor.

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What changes for local people

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The plaza itself should become traffic-calmed in the future – fewer cars, more space for pedestrians. For older neighbors and families with strollers, that means significantly better accessibility. Also planned are additional seating and some greenery; not world-changing, but nice corners to rest. Especially for regulars a good news: The Alaska Bar will remain at its familiar location, that is the official pledge.

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Concerns and voting

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Before the vote there were several meetings between the town hall, business owners and residents. Some shopkeepers expressed concerns about delivery access during the construction phase; the city therefore plans to publish phasing plans and temporarily reroute accesses. Market operators will also be closely involved to ensure market days run as smoothly as possible.

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What visitors should know

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During the works expect barriers, construction fences and changed pedestrian routes. Bus and delivery traffic could temporarily use different routes, parking spaces will be temporarily relocated. The usual quiet times on the construction site are provided; expect noisy works mainly on weekdays during daytime.

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My impression: The upgrade seems sensible – more space for people, less for cars. Whether the new look preserves the charm of the old town remains to be seen. For many locals, however, the news that the Alaska Bar stays is already a piece of everyday security. And if in the end less water stands on the square after a downpour, every elderly lady who carries her groceries here daily will be glad.

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The city plans to promptly distribute information sheets and set up a contact point where residents can turn with questions or special needs. Keep your eyes and ears open: in the coming months there will be concrete dates for information events.