Economical progress. The historic covered market in Piazzale Lagosta has reopened
Milan, 1 February 2022 – It changed its name to Mercato Isola but kept its identity as a local market intact. After the redevelopment works that lasted about two years which consolidated and modernized the original building without altering its structure, the historic Zara covered market in Piazzale Lagosta, founded in 1946 to serve the citizens of the Isola district, reopened.
It is a new market not only for furnishings, lights, outdoor areas with opening windows, heating and cooling systems and Wi-Fi connection®, but because each of the ten shops will also have its own kitchen. Those who go to the market will be able to buy meat, cured meats, cheeses, pasta, fish, desserts and much more but will also be able to have them cooked and consumed inside. A new formula appreciated by the public, already successfully tested in other covered markets in the city which represents the evolution of these places from points of sale into social spaces to be enjoyed all day long. A choice also confirmed in the opening hours: from 9am to midnight, every day of the week.
In dialogue with the Isola urban commercial district, the citizens and the territory, it is the first plastic-free market in the city: all the administration activities hosted within the space will not use single-use plastic. Furthermore, the market will host a cooking school, spread knowledge and practices on food education issues and actively promote the neighbourhood's activities and initiatives.
The Isola Market has been completely renovated with the structure adapted to regulations regarding fire prevention, static suitability and energy containment. In the first phase of the works, the structures, foundations and pillars were consolidated and the roof was rebuilt with exposed wooden beams. The electrical and plumbing systems have been renewed and upgraded and the heating and cooling system has been added to ensure the comfort of customers and workers. Two light and transparent structures have been added along the main sides of the building, consisting of large windows, which do not alter the profile of the structure and are intended for on-site consumption of the food products sold and cooked in the market. They are also intended to host local cultural events and initiatives related to the theme of food and beyond.
Since this is a property subject to the protection of cultural heritage, all architectural interventions on the exterior and interior of the building followed the indications of the Superintendency. It is a place that recalls the typical characteristics of covered local markets, with counters displaying and selling the most requested foodstuffs, but renovated and expanded thanks to the possibility of consuming on site and entertaining under the windows in the common areas.
Updated: 01/02/2022