Community Celebration in Former Prison Grounds
The former Sant Pau prison in Figueres will host a dual celebration on Saturday 3 October 2026, as the local residents’ association marks ten years in the historic building and the city council officially opens newly renovated exterior gardens. The AV Barri de la Presó, established in 2006 and based at Carrer Sant Pau, 158, has used part of the disused prison as its social centre since 2016. This weekend’s festivities coincide with the inauguration of green spaces in the outer courtyard, a development long advocated by residents.
This is a moment to celebrate the transformation the space and the neighbourhood life have undergone.
Raül Àguila, current president of the association, and former president Josep Ruiz, who led the group for ten years, described the occasion as a milestone in the area’s evolution. Over the past decade, much of the maintenance of the association’s premises, cleaning, painting, minor repairs, has been carried out through voluntary work by local residents.
New Gardens and Public Access
The newly landscaped gardens will remove existing fencing, creating a more open and accessible space for the public. The project includes the installation of basketball hoops, a request made by the association for a public sports facility. Despite the improvements, residents have noted ongoing concerns about maintenance and lighting in certain areas. They also anticipate challenges with anti-social behaviour, stating: "We know the area may attract some disrespectful individuals, but we hope the new space will be respected by all."
Demand for Guided Prison Tours
The association has expressed interest in opening parts of the former prison interior to guided visits. The building, property of the Generalitat, currently houses no public access, but the group hopes to capitalise on public curiosity ahead of the planned development of the SOC’s work hub project. The site has featured in film and television productions and continues to draw interest from both locals and visitors. Some former inmates have returned to the site, requesting to see the courtyard where they were once held. Àguila and Ruiz acknowledged that any visitation plan would require significant cleaning and structural preparation, citing accumulated dirt, pigeon infestations, and deterioration in some areas.
Public Event Details
The anniversary and garden opening event will include a communal fideuà served at 14:00 on Saturday. Attendees must bring their own plate and cutlery and arrive on time, as portions will not be held. Tickets are available from 30 September at Electro Outlet shop in Figueres. Additional activities include a vermouth and drinks service with snacks. Organisers say the event symbolises the fulfilment of a long-standing community goal, the transformation of a once-closed penal site into an open, shared civic space. Residents can find further details and contact the association via the Ajuntament de Figueres website.
Primary sources: patrimonifestiu.cultura.gencat.cat, patrimoni.gencat.cat, desenvolupament.agenda.cultura.gencat.cat, agenda.cultura.gencat.cat. Reported by figueres.cat, onanemavui.cat, L'Empordà.
