Madrid government delays sale of controversial Chamberí penthouse

Planifica Madrid, a public company of the Community of Madrid, has postponed the opening of bids for the sale of a controversial penthouse in Chamberí and four other properties on Gran Vía. Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the opening was delayed by two hours due to “organizational reasons” and is now set for Thursday.

The penthouse, located on Paseo del General Martínez Campos, was purchased by the regional government for 6.3 million euros. While officials initially suggested the property could serve as a temporary office for President Isabel Díaz Ayuso during renovations at the Real Casa de Correos, urban planning regulations may prevent its use as an office.

Historical records indicate the building has faced scrutiny since its construction. In 1955, Francisco Pons Sorolla, grandson of painter Joaquín Sorolla, warned that construction works on the site posed a risk to the integrity of the adjacent Museo Sorolla. Documents show that the ninth floor, where the penthouse is located, was originally struck from plans after the city council denied permission for a second penthouse, leading to subsequent efforts to legalize the structure.