Following a public presentation of the renovation project for the Condamine market in Monaco, merchants have shared a range of opinions, reflecting both anticipation and apprehension regarding the upcoming changes.

Thirteen years after the last renovation, which cost €2 million, the market is set to undergo significant transformations starting January 2026, with an estimated budget of €12 million allocated for the project aimed at modernizing building standards, facilities, and design, while enhancing visitor capacity.

During the renovation period, which is expected to last for approximately 13 months, merchants will be temporarily relocated to makeshift structures on the nearby Place d'Armes.

This initiative has been deemed a 'priority' by Monaco's Mayor Georges Marsan, who aims to conclude his long tenure with a significant enhancement of this community hub.

As the construction looms, merchants at the market express a mix of optimism and concern.

Julien Bravetti, owner of Chez Roger, expresses enthusiasm for the potential improvements but also voice uncertainties: "The market feels like a small village.

This upcoming phase is certainly an adventure.

However, the unknown of working in temporary conditions causes worry about customer retention and business operations."

Opinions diverge among the vendor community.

A merchant raised a critical perspective, questioning the rationale behind fully closing the market for an entire year as opposed to executing renovations in phases.

Many express concerns over potential customer loss, noting the market's substantial foot traffic and its role as one of Monaco's principal dining spots.

Eugénie Salat, an employee at The Zinc, reflects positively on the necessity of the renovations, particularly citing severe plumbing issues.

Despite this, she acknowledges apprehension over adapting to new conditions during the switch to the temporary setups.

José Maestra, president of the Condamine merchants' association, shares mixed feelings about the project, emphasizing that the consultation process with local businesses has been lacking.

He advocates for more communication between the municipality and merchants to align project developments with communal needs.

Contrasting opinions highlight a collective concern for the future.

Discussion points include a reduced rental space and the impact on business profitability during the construction phase.

Merchants cite fears of insufficient support from the municipality regarding compensation for potential revenue losses during this transition period.

Anthony Rinaldi, who leads a fishmonger’s stall, echoes this sentiment, underscoring the successful operations pre-construction and highlighting the risk of jeopardizing a well-functioning market atmosphere.

Concerns also extend to the structural plans of the new market.

The anticipated box sizes, estimated to be about 17 square meters, raise questions about spatial efficiency, especially for food service vendors who require ample room for kitchen operations.

Merchants continue to grapple with the logistics of managing their products in the upcoming temporary setups while navigating the uncertainty surrounding the duration and scale of the impending project.

With the renovation expected to follow a strict timeline, vendors remain hopeful for a smooth process, but recognize the potential for delays typical of construction undertakings.

The mayor's administration has promised individual consultations with each merchant to address specific concerns ahead of the construction phase, potentially facilitating a more supportive framework as they transition to new operational conditions.