The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, has presented the guidelines for an ideas competition regarding the renovation of the Gesa building and the construction of two underground facilities in the adjacent plots of the Maritime Façade. Martínez expressed confidence that the works would be completed by 2030, which would enable their use should Palma become European Capital of Culture in 2031. The entire project carries an approximate cost of 91 million euros. The deadline for architectural proposals has just opened and will close on April 1st.
The comprehensive development includes several key components: the renovation of the Gesa building at a cost of 40 million euros, construction of two underground facilities in adjacent plots for 15 million euros, an underground car park with 700 spaces costing 21 million euros, green space improvements worth 4 million euros, and the undergrounding of calle Joan Maragall towards the Maritime Promenade for 2 million euros, among other initiatives.
Martínez confirmed that the Gesa building will house the Innovation District headquarters and exhibition spaces that will feature collaborations with private collections and museums such as the Thyssen, with whom a declaration of intent for collaboration has already been signed.
New seafront developments
The Gesa project includes two new facilities: one with administrative-sociocultural use and another with 20 percent of space open to proposals. The entire Maritime Façade development covers nearly 30,000 square metres "respecting the protection of Gesa. The existing volumetry must be maintained, along with the original staircases and elements such as Luis Castaldo's lights. Work is also being done from Heritage to determine if more elements need protection and cataloguing."
A notable innovation in this project is the undergrounding of calle Joan Alcover, which will connect underground with the Paseo Maritimo. Additionally, a study for pedestrian connections and transit on this route will be conducted.
Multiple uses for iconic building
The building will serve multiple functions, including space for the Palma Culture Innovation Bay, as "it will be the future headquarters of the Innovation District. The building will also house the Municipal Institute of Arts, with workshops for creators, and the Energy Interpretation Centre, which will explain the development of Mallorcan industry."
Martínez noted that purchasing the building from Endesa for 40 million euros "has meant a saving of 60 million euros" in claims from the company for property damages due to modifications to the General Plan. The primary objective, the mayor pointed out, is "to reintegrate the seafront into Palma with a transformative project."