Palma Gesa revamp: car park cut, solar glass planned
Palma, Mallorca’s long-unused former Gesa building could get a smaller underground car park and solar glass under plans unveiled on Friday. Architect Antonio Cruz presented the project for Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos beside the building with Antonio Ortiz and Palma Mayor Jaime Martínez. The scheme aims to retain the building’s current look with minimal changes.
The proposed solar glass would generate energy while helping to regulate the temperature inside. Cruz said the work would be coordinated with the heritage departments of Palma City Council and the Island Council of Mallorca.
Two levels of green space
The land between the Gesa building and Pocoyó Park is planned as a green area on two levels. Stairs and ramps would link them, with a long, partly underground space between them containing a café, exhibition areas and the Energy Centre.
The underground car park would start 1.5 metres below the surface. That would leave room for planting above it.
Arts, libraries and a 2029 target
The refurbished building is intended to house the Municipal Institute of the Arts, libraries, ludotecas, business incubators and a citizen service office. Cruz also suggested moving a lamp designed by Gesa’s original architect, Josep Ferragut, plus a mural and window by artist Lluís Castaldo, to more visible spots in the building.
Cruz said the renovation could be complete by the end of 2029 if work begins now and moves ahead quickly. Palma began the process to buy the property in 2023 after years without activity there.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com