The vision for Mercato Centrale, part of the WaltherPark urban regeneration project, was to create a food hall of 18 bottegas under one roof, each celebrating traditional Italian foodservice operators and presenting unique technical and operational requirements. Lauren Hurrell takes a closer look at the complex collaboration behind the project and how two Ali Group brands in particular helped make it a success


Embracing tradition through renewal


MERCATO CENTRALE BOLZANO IN NUMBERS


Concept restaurants 1,000 Seat venue


4,300 18


50+ Employees


ambach.com grandimpiantiali.it


Square-meter space W


altherPark is a unique urban regeneration project that is restoring high- quality public spaces to the city of Bolzano in northern Italy. At its core is the 1,000-seat Mercato Centrale, the development’s beating heart. WaltherPark also features 110 exclusive apartments situated 15 meters above the city and nestled among rooftop gardens in one of Europe’s most innovative urban districts. “This project involved the complete development of the Food Area on the second floor of the new WaltherPark High Street Gallery in Bolzano,” says Marco Feola, architect project manager at EXA Group.


“Our mission was to transform a 4,300-square-meter space into a vibrant Mercato Centrale- inspired destination, aligned with the vision of founder Alberto Montano and the creative direction of TA Architettura. We aimed to create a premium environment where architectural quality seamlessly integrates with the complex operational needs of each restaurateur, offering visitors a unique and engaging dining experience.” With more than 80 stores, along with Mercato Centrale Bolzano, a Virgin Active fitness


club, the panoramic Mochi restaurant, a renovated park and more, the wider development aims to provide a natural oasis in the heart of the city, while giving visitors and residents everything they need at their fingertips. Through a collaborative effort that included carefully selected equipment from across the


Ali Group portfolio, Grandimpianti and Ambach played particularly important roles in bringing the project to life. Such an ambitious undertaking required the careful harmonization of equipment standards while accommodating the unique operational requirements of each bottega, a challenge both brands were well equipped to address. “Our ambition is to offer a gastronomic experience that is truly unique and innovative


for Bolzano — both in its scale and in the quality and atmosphere it delivers,” says Thibault Chavanat, chairman of the board at WaltherPark SPA. “Rooted in openness and diversity, the Mercato is conceived as a place for everyone.”


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