The Bab al-Luq market was established in 1912 as a modern covered market inspired by Les Halles in Paris. It was state of the art when it came to accessibility, light, hygiene and organization. The market has been decaying since then, and is today in a state where – although trade is still going on – the hygienic standards and the potentials of this unique market and the market buildings are not actualized.

The project aims to revitalize the food market and secure a modernization of the areas dedicated to trade to attract a larger and more diversified group of customers by – among other things – introducing new trends of healthy and slow-food outlets, and renovating the adjacent building structure to open space for the creative sector of Downtown, offering spaces for art and cultural programs as well as co-working spaces and artists’ residences.

Part of the building structure shall also be developed to be a multi-function hall, which may both be available for local youth for sports and other activities and a hall for the presentation of music, theater, cinema and other cultural activities. In addition, the hall may be used for periodic markets for handicrafts and artistic products made at the premises and other places.