Tarragona Banco de España building conversion dispute

The future of the former Banco de España building in Tarragona has become a point of political contention. The municipal government, led by Mayor Rubén Viñuales, seeks to implement the ‘Parador Plan,’ which involves a 20-million-euro state investment to convert the 3,000-square-meter property into a 59-room hotel.

Opposition has emerged from political groups such as Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and ECP. These groups have proposed a motion to promote dialogue regarding the creation of a ‘Casa de la Festa’—a civic space featuring exhibition halls—at the site. Proponents of this alternative argue that a community center would be more beneficial than tourism development.

Further debate has centered on the economic terms of the property transfer. ERC spokesperson Xavier Puig has cautioned against ‘giving away’ the property without ‘equivalent compensation,’ citing the high cost the municipality paid to acquire the building in 2010.

The City Council is now facing a decisive vote regarding the property mutation required to transfer the building to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The proposal faces significant hurdles to reaching the absolute majority of 14 votes required from the 27 council members. While the ruling PSC government seeks to move forward, opposition from ERC, PP, and ECP remains. Additionally, the Junts per Catalunya group has indicated it will abstain from the vote, citing a need for more technical and legal documentation regarding the project's viability.