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Currently, the Central Market primarily serves as a place of trade, staying true to its original purpose. Yet, experience from other cities shows that modern markets can evolve into multifunctional spaces, bringing together commerce, culture, gastronomy, and public life. With its vast potential, Riga Central Market is well-positioned to become precisely such a place.
Historical Legacy and New Challenges
For nearly a century, Riga Central Market has been an integral part of the city’s life. Every day, it welcomes between 40,000 and 50,000 visitors, including many tourists for whom the market is a major attraction.
However, with global changes in transport infrastructure, the market now faces new challenges. One key factor is its proximity to the newly modernized Riga Central Railway Station, set to become part of the large-scale Rail Baltica project. This transportation hub will reshape the city’s logistics and act as a catalyst for significant transformations in Riga’s downtown area.
The Central Market must not only preserve its role but also rethink and adapt it to integrate into this new urban context. This requires modernizing infrastructure and developing innovative ways to use its space.
Roadmap for Transformation
A ten-year spatial development concept has been created to evaluate the current state of Riga Central Market and shape a strategic vision for its transformation. Commissioned by “Rīgas nami” with contributions from “Wealth.Investments” and the architectural firm “Teeja arhitekti,” the document is based on comprehensive analysis, international experience, and modern urban planning trends. Representatives from municipalities, state institutions, businesses, and local residents were involved in the development process.
The concept’s core idea is to redistribute functions within the buildings and surrounding areas to optimize space use and create unique new offerings for visitors.
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This roadmap will serve as the foundation for transforming the Central Market into a modern, multifunctional space that preserves its historical significance.
A New Center for Public Life
Riga Central Market today comprises five pavilions, four of which are interconnected by covered walkways. The fifth, known as the “Meat Pavilion,” stands separately and will serve as the focal point of upcoming renovations.
According to the concept, trade will remain concentrated in the four interconnected pavilions, housing dairy, bakery, fish, vegetable, and delicatessen sections. Products from the Meat Pavilion will be relocated into one of them. The current food court pavilion will be transformed into a dedicated space for cafés and bistros.
The Meat Pavilion itself is set to become a vibrant cultural and arts center, attracting a broader audience and introducing additional public functions. This transformation aims to turn the market into a multifunctional space, blending commerce, culture, and creativity.
While all pavilions will undergo restoration, “the Meat Pavilion” is destined to become the new heart of the market—a hub uniting trade, art, and community.
The New Old Squares
The functional transformation of the Riga Central Market pavilions will lead to a large-scale redevelopment of the surrounding areas. A new focal point will be Benjamiņa Square, located by the northeastern facade of the future “Art and Culture Pavilion.” It will seamlessly extend the exhibition space, offering an open-air venue for cultural events.
Along the southeastern facade, Nēģu Square will emerge, designed for active recreation and sports. It will serve everyday activities on weekdays and host fairs and festivities on special occasions.
The central square, situated between the “Art and Culture Pavilion” and the trading halls, will become the market’s heart—uniting commercial and public spaces. Part of it will be transformed into a green park for relaxation.
The Market Square in front of the trading pavilions will retain its commercial function but undergo modernization. Outdated kiosks will be dismantled, and modular tables and stalls introduced, creating an open, user-friendly environment for both vendors and visitors.
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The Trading Streets of Spīķeru and Pūpolu
The area surrounding the “Red Warehouses” (Sarkanie spīķeri) will also undergo revitalization. Spīķeru and Pūpolu Streets will retain their commercial character, but the street pavilions will be modernized. The upper floors of the warehouses will be converted into offices.
The streets will be enriched with green spaces, pedestrian pathways, café terraces, shops, a children’s playground, comfortable benches, bicycle parking, and modern lighting—greatly enhancing pedestrian convenience.
Mobility
The development concept emphasizes pedestrian movement and micromobility, aligning with modern trends toward reducing car traffic in city centers. A unified network of convenient pedestrian routes will increase foot traffic and the profitability of commercial spaces. Bicycle parking, repair stations, and charging points will be installed near main entrances.
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Out of the existing 335 parking spaces, only 60 will be retained. The freed-up area will be transformed into logistics zones, cycling infrastructure, and a landscaped waterfront along the City Canal. A parking lot for 275 vehicles will be established on the site of the current industrial goods market, which will also host an evening farmers’ market.
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Financing and Implementation Stages
The total capital investment by the municipality will amount to approximately 14 million euros. These funds will be allocated toward strengthening the pavilion structures, repairing roofs, restoring buildings, and improving the surrounding public spaces.
An additional 16 million euros will be invested in transforming the “Meat Pavilion” into a national-level center for art and culture, with partial funding anticipated from the state.
Furthermore, “Rīgas nami” will contribute another 14 million euros to modernize pavilion interiors, refurbish facades, and renovate indoor spaces. The project is designed to span ten years and will be executed in phases, ensuring the gradual realization of all planned transformations.
