- The iconic La plasa building in Torrevieja is set for a €8.2 million renovation over 14 months.
- Contract provisionally awarded too Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A.U., achieving cost and time savings.
- The restoration includes modern glazed facades and a spacious double-height atrium with natural light.
- Plans for a gastromarket with 30 stalls and preserved traditional market vendors.
- project financed thru a wider €32.6 million investment credit for urban renovations.
- Construction expected to start by late September 2025, aiming for completion by early 2027.
Torrevieja Approves Major €8.2 Million Revamp for La Plasa Building
The Torrevieja City Council has taken a meaningful step toward revitalizing one of its most emblematic landmarks, the La Plasa building, by provisionally awarding a €8.2 million contract for its comprehensive rehabilitation. This project, estimated to take 14 months, promises to blend modern aesthetics with the city’s rich urban fabric, aiming to create a renewed social and commercial hub.
Contract Award and Cost Savings
The contract was provisionally granted to Cobra Instalaciones y servicios S.A.U.,the company that outperformed nine other contenders by scoring highest on combined technical and economic criteria. Cobra’s bid included an 8.12% discount on the base budget, saving the City Council approximately €700,000 – reducing the projected cost from €8.9 million to €8.2 million.
Additionally, the contractor proposed a reduction in the execution timeline by 15 weeks, accounting for the 14-month final schedule. Once the required documentation is validated, the local government’s Executive Board will proceed with the definitive contract award.
Modernizing a historic Landmark
The renovation project will introduce a fully modern design focused on:
- Replacing all opaque facade enclosures with transparent, fully glazed surfaces to enhance visual integration with Plaza Isabel II.
- Partial demolition of the first-floor slab to create a spacious double-height atrium featuring two large skylights, maximizing natural light down to the ground floor.
- Integrating the building seamlessly into the urban environment while refreshing its iconic image.
New Uses and Spaces: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The interior improvements cater to diverse functions and community needs:
| Floor | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Floor | Market and Gastromarket | Existing market shops retained; addition of 30 gastromarket and restaurant stalls. |
| First Floor | Support Areas | Emergency exits, restrooms, storage rooms, technical zones, and open circulation areas. |
| Second & Third Floors | Multipurpose Spaces | Open, flexible spaces at the disposal of the City Council for various uses. |
Initially planned for 25 gastromarket stalls, the number has increased to 30, demonstrating a push to stimulate a new urban activity centre that blends tradition and modernity. The eight existing market stalls will remain, with a reduced rental rate as a gesture of thankfulness to long-standing vendors who helped keep the building alive.
Funding and broader Urban Renewal Context
This refurbishment is part of a larger investment plan approved by the municipal government, encompassing a €32.6 million credit designed to finance multiple urban rehabilitation initiatives across Torrevieja. Part of these funds will directly cover the costs associated with refurbishing La Plasa.
Timeline and Project Outlook
the City Council expects construction to begin by late September 2025, pending the completion of a contract approval process for project management services. This contract, with a budget of €306,222, has an offer submission period of 30 days.Should the schedule remain on track, the building’s full completion is projected for the first quarter of 2027.
The contract includes provisions for partial delivery of the building, allowing sections to open earlier, accelerating the social and commercial benefits for Torrevieja’s residents and visitors.
Conclusion
The rehabilitation of La Plasa marks a key moment in Torrevieja’s urban growth, balancing heritage conservation with contemporary needs. With enhanced openness, lighting, and modern amenities, the building is set to become a vibrant new hub marrying community tradition with fresh gastronomic and commercial vitality.
Stay tuned for updates as this transformative project unfolds in the heart of Torrevieja.