This project, part of the Integrated Action Plans funded by Feder 2021-2027 European funds, sets April 28 as the deadline for submitting bids. The initiative goes beyond mere architectural restoration, aspiring to bring cultural life back to the property and contribute to the reactivation of Algeciras' urban core.
The La Escuela Building, located at number 10 on San Antonio Street, is a nineteenth-century construction with an Andalusian neoclassical style. Historically, it housed the School of Arts and Crafts and municipal offices. Its inner courtyard, with Tuscan columns and arcades, was a meeting point for presentations, conferences, and exhibitions.
However, a lack of maintenance has led to humidity problems, roof leaks, and structural deterioration, limiting its use. The comprehensive rehabilitation includes restoring the listed facade with lime mortars, intervening on the Arab tile roof, and reinforcing affected structural elements.
The recovery of this building, considered “unique” at a local level by historical studies, now aims to reconnect past and present.
A key aspect of the project is the recovery of the inner courtyard as a public space for temporary exhibitions and cultural events, without the need for air conditioning. It will also include energy efficiency improvements, such as replacing lighting with LED technology and renovating climate control systems, all under sustainability and accessibility criteria.
With this action, the City Council seeks for the La Escuela Building to act as a catalyst to reverse the commercial decline of the surrounding area, improving the image of Algeciras' city center. The property, classified with grade 2 in the General Urban Planning Plan, is protected at a municipal level, ensuring the preservation of its original architectural values.
