The municipal council of Ponteareas has approved the comprehensive renovation of the old Abastos Market, paving the way for the establishment of a modern public library. With the project now approved, the council can proceed with the necessary administrative processes for the tendering and contracting of the construction works, which are expected to take 18 months.
This initiative represents the largest financial undertaking of the EDIL Plan, titled 'Ponteareas, a sustainable space to grow and live', co-financed by European FEDER funds. The council's decision, made during a session on Tuesday, marks a significant step towards realising one of the most important investments in recent years for the municipality.
The project, with a total budget of €7,813,027.98 (including VAT), involves the complete renovation of the old Abastos Market building, located at 4 Perillana Street. The aim is to transform it into a public facility dedicated to culture, reading, study, and knowledge. The new library will restore one of the most iconic properties in the urban centre for public use, endowing it with a new cultural and educational function, and establishing it as a reference point for the residents of Ponteareas.
The new facilities will cover over 2,500 square metres, quadrupling the space currently in use. This increase in area will allow for spacious reading and study rooms, versatile spaces for cultural activities, and specific areas for social interaction, designed as a 'living space' and cultural agora for the entire community.
The mayor, Nava Castro, emphasised the significance of the project's approval for the municipality's future, stating, 'Today we take a fundamental step towards making one of the most important projects in Ponteareas a reality. We are not just talking about renovating a building, but about reclaiming an emblematic space and putting it to the service of culture, education, and future generations.' She further highlighted that 'the new library represents our commitment to a municipality that invests in public facilities, recovers its heritage, and creates new opportunities for its citizens.'
The new municipal library is part of Project 9 of the Integrated Action Plan 'Ponteareas, a sustainable space to grow and live', developed under the EDIL programme. With a budget exceeding €7.8 million, it constitutes the largest economic action of this plan and one of the main priorities of the municipal government for modernising public facilities and recovering urban heritage.
Urban Planning Councillor Silvia Fernández Táboas noted that 'the approval of the project marks the completion of a crucial phase of technical and administrative work, allowing us to move forward with the contracting and subsequent execution of the works.' The project was designed by architect Javier Couto Granja from LIQE arquitectura. With the council's approval, Ponteareas can now continue with the necessary administrative procedures for the tendering and contracting of the construction, which is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The municipal government considers this initiative a strategic investment for the future of Ponteareas, both for its economic scale and its cultural, educational, and urban impact. The recovery of the old Abastos Market will breathe new life into an emblematic building while expanding and modernising public spaces for the community. 'We want Ponteareas to have a library that meets its needs, a modern, accessible space ready to become a cultural and educational meeting point. With this approval, we take a decisive step towards making that goal a reality,' concluded Mayor Nava Castro.
Ponteareas continues to advance in the execution of strategic projects under the EDIL Plan, aiming to transform the municipality, enhance its public facilities, and create a town with more services and opportunities for its residents.
