The transfer of Encants to Monumental is just one of the “different options” being considered, but “it’s definitely a possibility”, according to an Ajuntament spokesman. On the one hand there is no immediate deadline for the move and, on the other, Barcelona’s mayor, Jordi Hereu, has denied any knowledge of the idea and stated that it is not the council’s role to get involved with the decisions of private enterprises. So any negotiations for the purchase or leasing of Monumental by the Ajuntament look set to be very long-term.
And, of course, nothing is likely to be decided without approval from those who work at Encants Vells. Diego Escámez is president of the market-sellers’ association, and somewhat bemused by Portabella’s plan. He first heard about the idea from the press. “We haven’t received any formal proposal from the Institut de Mercats Municipals de Barcelona.”
Without that, Escámez can’t formally go to the stallholders and get permission to work on their behalf regarding the deal. Encants Vells has been in its current position since 1928 when it moved from Sant Antoni, to what was supposed to be a temporary location. However, although there has been a lot of talk in the past 12 years about finding it a permanent home, according to Escámez, it was only when the renovation of Glòries was approved by the council that it became a more serious issue. The market’s current space is 15,000 square metres, and Monumental would provide 10,000 square metres, which Escámez reckons would be the minimum necessary.
So, the future of Monumental is anything but decided. And while it may never return to hosting hit boy bands, it could still have a role to play in Barcelona.
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