- As we predicted, the Chania Municipal Market (Δημοτική Αγορά Χανίων) opening is delayed—again.
- Fall 2025 is now the target for completion.
- Progress crawls due to archaeological discoveries and design changes.
- Roof installation shows some movement, but other areas lag behind.
- Critical comments from Deputy Mayor Michalis Kalogridakis on Zarpa Radio 89.6 underscore the hurdles.
A Market in Limbo: Chania’s Missed Deadlines
Don’t hold your breath if you’ve been hoping to stroll through the fully revamped Chania Municipal Market this summer. Deputy Mayor Michalis Kalogridakis crushed those dreams in an interview on Zarpa Radio 89.6 in January, revealing that the completion date has been pushed—again. The project began in January 2022 and initially aimed for May 2023. Spoiler: it didn’t happen. Then it shifted to May 2024, then May 2025. Now? They’re crossing their fingers for fall 2025 but don’t start planning to attend any grand ribbon-cutting ceremonies just yet.
Kalogridakis openly admitted they underestimated the obstacles, saying, “We needed more time. The delays from archaeological work and changes to designs cost us about a year and a half.” If that sounds like a lot of bureaucratic shrugging, it’s because it is. The Western wing’s roof looks almost done, and there’s noticeable progress on the Northern side facing the square. But the middle gaping holes where glass panels will eventually let in light? Still, just holes. Interior work? Let’s say calling it incomplete would be generous.
Here’s what’s still on the to-do list:
- Install interior walls for shops.
- Lay down flooring.
- Paint everything.
- Add glass panels to gaps in the roof.
- Finish other “minor” details that make the market functional.
Any bets on when it’s done? Kalogridakis says fall 2025 is realistic, but only time will tell.
A Summer Lost, Yet Again
For business owners, this delay is salt on an open wound. With yet another summer lost, the area around the market remains a construction zone rather than a bustling hub. This is particularly frustrating since tourism is the lifeblood of Chania during the warmer months. Even with visible progress on the exterior, it’s undeniable that this project has dragged on far longer than expected. And tourists wandering into town? They’ll still find cranes and scaffolding instead of fresh produce and souvenirs.
For proof of the “progress,” you can check the latest photos here on Zarpa News. Prepare to be unimpressed.
