The draft resolution provides for the extension of the contract with Rīgas nami for the management and maintenance of the Central Market until April 24, 2067. This is necessary for the company to attract loans from banks for the implementation of market development projects. At the same time, specific investment obligations will be imposed on Rīgas nami regarding the improvement of infrastructure, restoration of historical buildings, and implementation of new projects. Riga's Vice Mayor Edvards Ratnieks believes that the development of the Central Market should not be limited to merely improving the trading areas. According to him, alongside quality products and entrepreneurial activities, there should also be space for culture, education, innovation, and public events. "At the same time, it is very important for us to preserve what makes the Central Market unique — its historical architecture, identity, and market function," emphasized Ratnieks. The development is planned to be financed through the company's own funds, European Union funds and programs, loans, and other financial instruments. To form a unified vision for the future of the Riga Central Market, Rīgas nami must organize a competition for the development of an architectural and design concept for the area within six months. Opposition deputy Edvards Šlesers ("Latvia First") criticized the results of Rīgas nami's management of the Central Market and demanded a business plan. The Chairman of the Board of Rīgas nami, Ojārs Vālers, was unable to present the business plan for the Central Market to the deputies at the meeting, but promised to send it before the Riga City Council meeting scheduled for next Wednesday. It is at that time that the deputies are expected to make a final decision. Since 2023, when Rīgas nami took over the management of the Central Market, more than 4.4 million euros have been invested in its development and urgent works. This funding has restored the roof of the Vegetable Pavilion, the metal roof structures, and the basement areas, reinforced the metal roof structures of the Dairy Pavilion, and carried out other preservation works on historical buildings. In June, the Meat Pavilion was closed due to its dangerous condition. The ensuing crisis led to the resignation of the company's board, which included Andris Liepiņš and Ilze Bukulde, as well as board member Marģers Budlevskis.
