25-Year Lease for Torre Vicens Sparks Community Debate
The city council of Lleida and the provincial Diputació have agreed to cede Torre Vicens, a modernist building in the Secà de Sant Pere neighbourhood, for 25 years with possible extensions. The aim is to transform it into a youth-focused space where young people can work and develop community projects. Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida, described the handover as an opportunity for local youth to have a dedicated place in their own neighbourhood. He said the building should serve not only as a workspace but also as a site for education and shared activity, giving it social value beyond its heritage status.
Neighbours Support Project with Conditions
The Associació de Veïns i Veïnes del Secà de Sant Pere supports the initiative, but only if it includes formal educational programming and active management. Joan Crespo, president of the association, warned that the space must not become a "catch-all" where young people come without structure or supervision.
That shouldn't be a catch-all where young people just come to do whatever they want.
Crespo stressed that activities must include youth outreach and educational components, especially for minors in the area. This condition is central to maintaining community backing for the project.
New Civic Services and Parking Concerns
Alongside the Torre Vicens plan, a Citizen Service Office will open on the ground floor of the civic centre, fulfilling a commitment made last year after the launch of a similar office in La Bordeta. Crespo also raised ongoing issues about unrestricted parking in loading zones, particularly in dead-end streets across the neighbourhood. He brought this concern directly to Cristina Morón, councillor for Security, Mobility, and Civic Coexistence, during a recent meeting. The discussion reflects broader demands from residents regarding public space use, service access, and responsible development in Secà de Sant Pere.
Reported by apdnoticies.com, APD Noticies.
