Reinventing Cities - Ancient Food Market, Portugalete (Metropolitan Bilbao), Spain
Reinventing Cities is a global competition that seeks to accelerate the development of decarbonised and resilient urban regeneration across the globe. Through this competition, cities identify under-utilised sites that are ready to be released and transformed and invite creative multi-disciplinary teams to submit proposals that can serve as a model for city landmarks of the future.
| Category | Project Competition |
| Type | Spain, Project, Architect, Two-Stage |
| Genre | Urban |
| Country | Spain |
| RegDeadline | 5 October 2026 GoogleCal iCal |
| 5 October 2026 | |
| Eligibility | Architect, Environmental Expert, Developer or Investor with the financial capacity to implement the project (mandatory for the final phase, and highly recommended for the initial Expression of Interest phase) |
Description
The intervention focuses on the former Municipal Food Market, a distinctive building of significant architectural value within the city's urban heritage
Located in the historic centre, it forms part of the municipality's most emblematic and recognizable area. The rehabilitation and enhancement of the building is conceived as a strategic action within the broader framework of the comprehensive regeneration of the Historic Center. Its recovery is not only driven by heritage conservation criteria but is also envisioned as a lever for urban transformation, capable of reactivating economic, social, and cultural dynamics. Through its adaptive reuse, the building has the potential to become a hub of activity, generating new flows, strengthening the centrality of the area, and contributing to the sustainable revitalization of the municipality.
To this end, innovative, sustainable, and creative solutions are sought, considering the constraints associated with preserving the building.
The program of uses is intentionally left open to encourage disruptive approaches and hybrid models. A single exception is made for an open-plan space on the ground floor, conceived as a place for civic gathering and as a platform for cultural and community activities.
Ultimately, this is a strategic project supported by strong institutional commitment: the City Council will actively participate in financing the intervention, in proportion to the share of the building allocated to public or municipal uses, demonstrating its firm commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and opportunity-generating urban regeneration.
Organizer
HOLCIM FOUNDATION