Expanded Central Space Ready for Festival
Residents and visitors to Artés will experience a significantly larger outdoor event zone during the upcoming Festa Major. The expansion is located at the exterior of the Cal Sitges cultural complex, where demolition of a disused industrial warehouse has created a new open public area. The structure, one of two former textile factory sheds acquired by the Ajuntament d’Artés in 2021 for €150,000, was removed due to its asbestos-containing roof. Although structurally sound, the building served only as storage for municipal services. Its removal, supported by a partial subsidy covering around €71,000 of the cost, frees up additional space adjacent to the existing municipal land near Parc de Can Crusellas.
First Phase of Urban Renewal Unveiled
This cleared plot will now function as the enhanced 'Espai Central' during the Festa Major, improving capacity, comfort and visibility for attendees. According to Mayor Enric Forcada, the site will temporarily serve as parking but is intended for cultural, festive and community use during major town events. A second phase, estimated at an additional €91,000, will see the area paved, landscaped with trees, and equipped with lighting. These improvements are planned to follow in coordination with the demolition work.
We’re creating a central meeting point for everyone, right between Cal Sitges and Can Crusellas Park, to bring life to our streets.
The Festa Major 2025 is scheduled from 5 to 9 September, with all main activities concentrated in this renewed central zone. The full programme is available via the Cultura Artés website.
Context: Long-Term Cultural Investment
The redevelopment forms part of a broader municipal effort to expand the Cal Sitges cultural hub. Since acquiring the surrounding land and buildings in 2021, the town council has advanced plans for wider renovation, including potential additions such as a hostel and multipurpose rooms, as confirmed in earlier planning statements.
Reported by cultura.artes.cat, surtdecasa.cat, Jordi Escudé, Queralt Casals. Artés, naciodigital.cat, Ajuntament d’Artés, Helena Carbonell, Lluc Grandia, metalocus.es, archello.com, Regió 7.
