School upgrade costs rise from initial estimate
The planned refurbishment of Escola Emili Vallès in Igualada will now cost over two million euros, a significant increase from the initial estimate of €300,000. This decision follows technical assessments confirming serious structural issues in the 53-year-old building. Representatives from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ajuntament d’Igualada and the school itself announced the revised scope during a press event on 2 September at La Teneria, the school’s current temporary premises. The intervention will go beyond initial repairs and now includes full structural replacement of the floor slabs and roof. Montserrat Duran Tauleria, Director General of Public Centres, stated that the nature of the structural pathology requires comprehensive action. "It will not be a repair, but a replacement," she said, clarifying that responsibility for the project lies with the Generalitat.
Local authorities commit to full renovation
The project will not only resolve the immediate safety concerns but also modernise the building to meet current thermal and functional standards. Marc Castells Berzosa, Mayor of Igualada, confirmed that the municipality will contribute municipal funds to complement the Generalitat’s work, ensuring the renovation is fully comprehensive. While no final completion date has been set, the reform project will be drafted during the current academic year. Construction is expected to begin in September of the next school year, pending final approvals.
Students remain at temporary site
Approximately 220 students and 20 teaching staff have been relocated to La Teneria, a facility on Passeig Verdaguer that was originally intended for other educational uses. The move was implemented in March 2026 after municipal technical services detected deterioration in the floor slabs, prompting immediate suspension of classes at the original site. Teresa Ramos Tomàs, the school’s director, confirmed that despite logistical challenges, including insufficient and non-adapted toilets, the educational process has continued normally. Josep M. Carpi Cuatrecases, Councillor for Education, added that pre-enrolment figures remain stable, showing no drop in demand for the school. Parents were informed on a precautionary basis, with authorities stressing that the move was preventive and based on technical evidence of collapse risk. The Department of Education and the local council coordinated the contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted education.
We are acting preventively and not reactively. The safety of pupils and staff comes first.
The original building, inaugurated 53 years ago, will remain closed until the full renovation is complete. Families have been urged to trust in the joint administration effort, with officials from both the Generalitat and the town hall affirming their shared priority: student safety.
Primary sources: govern.cat, igualada.cat. Reported by regio7.cat, anoiadiari.cat, laciutat.cat, veuanoia.cat, La Veu de l'Anoia, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, radioigualada.cat, 3CatInfo, ACN | Igualada, elpais.com, Regió 7.
