Residents Demand Removal of Central Column

A civic initiative has gathered 438 signatures demanding the removal of a metal column, cables, and lighting garlands recently installed at the centre of Plaça de l’Ajuntament in Igualada. The petition, titled "The Square Is Everyone’s Heritage", was formally submitted to the town council and calls for the preservation of the historic and architectural character of one of the city’s most emblematic public spaces. The group behind the petition, composed of local residents including Carles Crespo Veigas, Sara Berzosa Domingo, Pau Llacuna Ortinez, Miquel Termens Graells, Joan Valls Piqué and Marta Vives Sabaté, argue that the new structure disrupts the visual and historical integrity of the square. They highlight that the current layout, shaped between 1989 and 1992, was designed to prioritise architecture over intrusive installations, with discreet lighting and no dominant central elements.

Concern Over Temporary Installations

The petitioners stress that while they support vibrant public use of the square for cultural, civic and commercial events, such activities must not compromise its heritage value. They are calling on the Ajuntament d’Igualada to remove the metal column, tensioning cables, anchors and associated wiring, and to restore the space to its previous configuration. The city government previously announced that the controversial structure would be removed next month, but intends to reinstall it next summer. This plan has intensified opposition from heritage-conscious residents who fear the precedent of recurring installations.

Historic Square at the Heart of the City

Plaça de l’Ajuntament is recognised in the Special Plan for Heritage Protection and is defined by its historic buildings, arcades and proximity to Santa Maria Church. The petition argues that the current intervention contradicts past urban design principles, which eliminated superimposed elements to return prominence to the architecture. "We want a living square, but not one cluttered with intrusive structures," the petition states. "Preserving heritage is not about looking back, it’s about responsibly passing on what we have received." The full list of signatories has been delivered to the town council as part of an official request for reconsideration. The Ajuntament has not yet issued a response to the petition beyond its earlier statement on the October removal.

While the debate continues over the town hall square, the council has confirmed other urban upgrades. A separate project will invest €115,000 to renew Plaça de les Tortugues (also known as Plaça de Pompeu Fabra), including new children’s play equipment, improved lighting, updated green spaces and repairs to a section of pavement. The project, scheduled for autumn 2026, follows input from local residents and will also address eight long-stalled housing units. Additionally, most of the controversial Aqualata bollards will be removed from Carrer del Clos in the coming weeks, though they will remain in place on Carrer Sant Pau due to ongoing deterioration and planned works there.

Primary sources: igualada.cat. Reported by anoiadiari.cat, laciutat.cat, La Veu de l'Anoia.