IN PHOTOS: Festive atmosphere in Torre Pacheco as weekly market gets a makeover
The Town has unveiled its modern ‘friendly market’
This weekend saw Torre Pacheco inaugurate its newly renovated municipal market, now branded as the ‘mercado amable’ or ‘friendly market’ — an initiative that is designed to support the future of the local economy. The project combines digital innovation, sustainability and community spirit, all while maintaining its traditional location between Paseo Villa Esperanza and Avenida de Fontes.
The updated space brings together 120 merchants from across Torre Pacheco, its surrounding districts and nearby towns. Improvements to the market include a new solar power system, better benches and bins, and modern street lighting. A digital outdoor information panel has also been installed, providing both advertising space and local announcements.
The market will continue to take place on a Saturday morning, as usual. Located on the Avenida de Fontes, Calle Dr. Marañón and Calle Navarro de Haro, this is the closest large event of its kind to the Mar Menor Golf Resort.
Shoppers can now benefit from smart lockers to store their purchases, some equipped with refrigeration for keeping perishable goods. These are paired with a newly launched website, www.mercadoamable.com, which allows users to browse services, locate vendors and buy products online. Orders can be picked up from the lockers at a time convenient for the customer.
In a bid to reinforce environmental responsibility, the market has introduced recycled tote bags made from agricultural waste collected from greenhouses in Campo de Cartagena. This measure highlights the project’s commitment to a circular economy and sustainable practices.
“The local market is essential for the social life of our people,” said Mayor Pedro Ángel Roca at the opening ceremony. “It is a place to reconnect with neighbours, friends and merchants who know us well.”
The launch event was also attended by María Isabel López, Regional Minister of Enterprise, Social Economy and Employment. She praised the initiative as a model of support for local businesses and self-employed workers, adding that projects like this are key to revitalising the regional economy and would continue to receive government backing.
The ‘friendly market’ forms part of the broader ‘Merkadeando’ project, funded by the European Union’s Next Generation programme alongside municipal contributions. The festive opening featured a performance by the local musical group La Tropachequera, adding a celebratory note to what many hope will be a vibrant new chapter for Torre Pacheco’s local shopping scene.
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Images: Ayuntamiento de Torre Pacheco
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