Palma waterfront Gesa building renovation to become cultural hub

The Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos studio has presented the winning design for the rehabilitation of the Gesa building in Palma, a project aimed at transforming the city's waterfront into a cultural and innovation hub. The project, budgeted at 76.5 million euros, covers approximately 30,000 square meters and is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, provided work proceeds with diligence.

The redevelopment will house the city's future central library on the first and second floors, while the third and fourth floors will be dedicated to the Municipal Institute of the Arts. Additionally, the site will include shared workspaces, business incubators, and facilities linked to the Palma Culture & Innovation Bay project.

Architect Antonio Cruz described the plan as a “minimal intervention” intended to preserve the building's current appearance while better connecting it to its surroundings, including Pocoyó Park. Addressing local criticism regarding potential losses of green space, Cruz stated that there will be no loss of greenery and that the project actually aims to expand it. The design also includes considerations for preserving heritage elements such as the 1977 ceramic mural by Lluís Castrillo.