The Palma Historic Centre Commission has approved the final design of the future El Pesquero bar, a project very similar to the one rejected in May. The conservation entity ARCA criticizes that it does not respect the heritage environment of the port.
The Palma Historic Centre Commission has greenlit the design of the new El Pesquero bar, an establishment that will occupy a strategic location between the Llotja, the Consolat de Mar, and the Guillem Sagrera building. The project, promoted by the company Coliving Puig de Alaró, has moved forward with the favourable votes of the municipal government team and the rejection of ARCA.
The Councillor for Housing and Urbanism, Óscar Fidalgo, defended the proposal, stating that
“it meets the characteristics to integrate into the area of Palma in which it is located. It does not exceed by a millimetre the height of the existing establishment and is an architectural proposal that improves the visual aspect compared to the one initially presented, which was much more impactful.”
A design that divides opinions
The most striking element of the future bar is a large laminated wooden pergola, inspired by the old ships under construction in the shipyards, with the frames visible. On this roof, a system of photovoltaic solar panels will be installed to reduce the restaurant's energy consumption.
The venue will feature a kitchen and a covered restaurant area, delineated by a system of folding glass that will allow it to remain open for much of the year. The proposal also includes a new pavement and differentiated spaces for diners.
However, ARCA believes that the design
“does not respect the values of this space, nor does it engage with its heritage environment,”according to its member Adrià Clapés. The conservation entity regrets that a more respectful alternative that included a shaded area has been dismissed.
A long administrative process
The Balearic Port Authority (APB) awarded the concession of the venue to Coliving Puig de Alaró, but the Palma City Council must approve the design as it is a protected location. In May, the Historic Centre Commission unanimously rejected the first proposal, arguing that
“it distorts the view of the historic centre and the heritage elements present in this area.”
Now, the government team has backed a very similar alternative. Fidalgo justified the change by stating that
“the project has been debated and approved with discrepancies, which are always respectable.”For his part, Clapés denounced that
“we were told that the one that has finally been approved had to be approved because otherwise, another tender would have to be issued.”
For the residents of Palma, the decision means that the emblematic space of the port will have a new hospitality use, although the debate about its visual impact remains open. The project must now pass the remaining procedures before its execution, which is expected in the coming months.
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