Mercado Don Francisco will maintain the spirit for which it was founded
The historic building of the old Municipal Market is undergoing a total transformation after many years of abandonment.
Located in the heart of the capital of the department of Cerro Largo, in its beginnings, back in 1897, it was a very important marketing center.
Years passed, times changed and the Municipal Market fell into disuse, becoming a warehouse for motorcycles seized, due to violations of traffic regulations or irregular documentation, by successive Departmental Administrations.
There were many ideas that emerged to bring the place back to life, even installing a shopping center during Colonel Barreiro’s administration, but none of them crystallized.
In the last five years, during the Administration of José Yurramendi, a formal proposal was presented which not only had the approval of the Municipality but also of the Departmental Board.
“The inauguration is scheduled to take place at the end of February” Mario Viñas announced during the live interview with EL PROFESIONAL Diario. “We are in the final details regarding the installation of the premises, but the structural part is already practically developed” he added.
“The idea is to maintain the primary purpose of the Market, which was the sale of all types of products. At the time we analyzed the possibility of making it only gastronomic, but since it was so large we decided to divide it into two parts: one for gastronomy, fast food, and another which we call dry where there will be a butcher shop, a fishmonger, a sausage shop, a fruit shop, and bakeries with products from the department.” he stated.
The investors’ objective was always to maintain the spirit for which this marketing space was founded. “There are around 1,100 covered square meters” estimated. In addition, it has a railing and a terrace.
Initially, the possibility of having more than 20 stores was discussed. In reality, it was designed for more than twenty, but as merchants began to demand larger spaces this number was reduced.
“We opened a call and also contacted people for each area. We negotiated with each one until we were able to practically cover everything” said Viñas.
Basically, experienced businessmen who prioritize service quality were targeted. “We want a place that is dynamic where people can go and find what they are looking for” he remarked.
All the emblematic companies of the environment will be present at Mercado Don Francisco, including Lito Gómez, Fábrica de Frescos Tacuarí, Panificadora Novo Pan and a cooperative integrated, among others, by the Family Agricultural Market.
THE BEGINNINGS
“We had an idea that something was missing here, a different place, something that we are achieving. Something that never existed in Melo and we believe there never will be.” he counted.
“The idea was given shape and work began on it, seeking support” broad.
At the Departmental Government level there was always support, both in the previous Administration, headed by José Yurramendi, and in the current one of Mayor Christian Morel.
“When we presented the project, it was voted unanimously by the Board without objections” Mario Viñas stressed.
