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Rio de Janeiro City Hall launches project for the new Uruguaiana Popular Market.
Published on 01/03/2026 - 16:50 | Updated
The design for the new Uruguaiana Popular Market, in the city center - Photo: Press release Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes and Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere participated this Sunday (March 1st) in the launch of the new Uruguaiana Popular Market in the city center. The initiative promotes the revitalization of one of Rio de Janeiro's largest popular commerce hubs, focusing on organization, urban mobility, and the enhancement of the area. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing market and the construction of a new commercial center with approximately 1,600 stalls to offer better working conditions, more comfort, and greater security for merchants and the general public. The project and construction are being carried out by the Municipal Urbanization Company (Rio-Urbe), linked to the Municipal Infrastructure Secretariat, with a total investment of R$ 74,2 million.
– What we are going to deliver to you is, in fact, a Shopping Center. We will take care to ensure that the construction does not disrupt the operation of the place. As the stores are completed, we will deliver them in a modular way, without anyone having to stop working. The project is very beautiful, but it will establish limits and have clear rules that must be respected. The architecture and structure are of high quality – stated Eduardo Paes during the presentation to the merchants of Uruguaiana.
Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere highlighted that the objective will also be to combat irregularities.
– We are talking about a symbolic place in the central region of the city. The proposal is that we no longer have street vendors operating illegally. The idea is to bring them all to the new Uruguaiana Popular Market because we will have many more stalls available. We will do everything with planning and organization, and we will certainly change the lives of these workers. We will not accept any type of illegal use of this new space. This is a place for serious and hardworking people – said Cavaliere.
In addition to the new building, the area surrounding the market will undergo a complete urban renewal process. The creation of a boulevard connecting Rua Uruguaiana to Avenida Presidente Vargas is planned, encouraging pedestrian circulation and enhancing integration with the urban space. The new Uruguaiana Popular Market, covering 15,6 square meters, will be built with a metal structure, featuring a ground floor, three mezzanine levels, a supermarket, a terrace, and a roof. The project envisions a complete reorganization of the space, focusing on functionality, security, and circulation, contributing to a more organized and efficient environment.
On the ground floor, the stalls will be arranged in clearly marked rows, facilitating public orientation and the organization of commercial activities. This floor will also include two food courts, restrooms, loading and unloading areas, and a supermarket, accessible from Uruguaiana Street and Presidente Vargas Avenue. The three mezzanine levels extend into the interior of the building. The first and second floors will house commercial stalls and restrooms. The second floor will have external balconies facing Uruguaiana Street and Presidente Vargas Avenue. The third mezzanine will house offices of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. The aluminum roof will offer thermal insulation, as well as lightness and durability. The complex will feature natural ventilation systems, efficient lighting, plumbing, and a fire prevention system.
– The project guarantees greater citizenship and humanity for the merchants who work in Uruguaiana. It is a comprehensive reform with greater accessibility. It is an effective change in the lives of these people. Downtown Rio has also changed its vocation, which has always been economic and now stands out with initiatives to attract new residents. The new Popular Market will be another milestone in this process of revitalizing the city – highlighted the sub-mayor of the city center, Alberto Szafran.
The project also includes approximately 8,4 square meters of urban redevelopment in the surrounding area. The interventions include accessible sidewalks, new street furniture, and the creation of flowerbeds and gardens in an area of 1,8 square meters, with the planting of 60 tree saplings. This set of actions will form a boulevard of approximately 5 square meters and contribute to improving the public space and integrating the market into the urban dynamics of the city center.
– This is an area that has already suffered from several fires. We are going to redesign the Uruguaiana market, which has significant economic activity in Rio, taking inspiration from the Madureira Market. We will also urbanize the surrounding area, build a food court, restrooms, and a space to house the administration of the site and city hall agencies to operate and manage the entire operation – revealed the municipal Secretary of Infrastructure, Wanderson Santos.
The entire project follows the guidelines of the Agache Plan and respects the architecture of the galleries, engaging in dialogue with the townhouses and churches of the historic center. The Agache Plan (1927–1930) was the first modern master plan proposal for the city of Rio de Janeiro and established guidelines focused on urban organization, functionality, and landscape enhancement—principles that guide the design of the New Uruguaiana Popular Market.
A year after losing all her merchandise in a fire, 73-year-old shopkeeper Sônia Maria Delfino, who had worked in Uruguaiana for 28 years, was emotional:
– I reached the final stage of my life and lost everything I had built in the fire. I hit rock bottom. But I prayed and asked God for help. Now, I'm ecstatic. It's very emotional. I've cried a lot already.
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