Community Campaign Gains Momentum

A group of residents has launched a petition titled La plaça és patrimoni de tots (The Square Belongs to Everyone) demanding the removal of a recently installed metal column with lighting garlands and banners in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament in Igualada. The structure, which includes tensioners, anchors and cabling, has sparked controversy over its impact on the historic character of the space. The initiative is led by Carles Crespo, Sara Berzosa, Pau Llacuna, Miquel Térmens, Joan Valls and Marta Vives. They argue that the installation "alters the perception of the urban and architectural space of heritage value" and contradicts the principles followed during the 1989–1992 renovation of the old town, when overhead cables were buried and visual clutter removed to restore focus to the historic buildings.

Heritage and Resident Concerns

The campaigners stress that their request is not opposed to public events or cultural activities, but insists such uses must respect the square’s historical values. They reference the Special Protection Plan for Igualada’s Heritage, under which the square is protected, and call on the Ajuntament (municipal council) to reconsider the installation and remove the central column and its fixtures. Their petition remains open for signatures until Sunday 20 September. Multiple local voices have echoed these concerns. ARA Igualada, a local civic movement, has stated that the installation "does not respond to any of the needs of the residents of Plaça de l’Ajuntament" and criticised the city government for prioritising decorative elements over longstanding resident complaints about noise, night-time disturbances, parking and the occupation of public space by terraces.

The town hall continues to bet on turning the square into a circus.

, Alícia Fernández, spokesperson for ARA Igualada The socialist party (PSC) in Igualada has also opposed the move, stating the decision was made "behind the backs of the residents", particularly the Associació de Residents de la Plaça de l’Ajuntament (ARPA), which has publicly rejected the structure. The PSC has announced it will file formal requests for information on the contract and any modifications related to the installation.

Socialist spokesperson Jordi Cuadras highlighted the project’s cost, while the party confirmed it is considering referring the matter to the Direcció General de Patrimoni de la Generalitat to assess whether the installation breaches heritage protection rules. The square is officially classified as a Bé Cultural d’Interès Local (BCIL), a locally significant cultural asset, adding legal weight to conservation concerns.

Reported by infoanoia.cat, La Veu de l'Anoia.