Andorra Awards 50-Year Concession to Bluebox for Reviving Edifici dels Pouets

Andorra la Vella's council unanimously approved a 50-year concession to Bluebox SLU on Wednesday for redeveloping the derelict Edifici dels Pouets into 500 to 700 storage units, 56 musician rehearsal rooms, and an indoor climbing gym.

The former parking facility, unused for nine years following multiple unsuccessful tenders, will receive a full €2.7 million renovation from Bluebox. The firm has six months from the approval to submit detailed construction plans, with works expected to finish in about 18 months. Bluebox will pay the comú an annual canon of at least €50,000, rising to €100,000 based on occupancy.

Cònsol Major Sergi González highlighted Bluebox's commitment during the session, noting the company's plan to install solar panels on the roof to meet the building's energy needs—and possibly expand them across the full surface, given a prior study on its high solar potential. He added that the firm could return part of the space to the municipality or another operator for the climbing gym once core areas are operational.

The deal follows a revised tender in March, after an initial January 2025 process attracted interest from around 20 firms but yielded no bids. Updates to the technical documentation enabled viable proposals for the challenging site. Opposition Demòcrates councillor David Astrié backed the move, wishing it success and reiterating calls for photovoltaics. He stressed prioritizing storage access for Andorra la Vella residents and nationwide users.

A contract clause permits Bluebox to exit if needed, with the comú covering certain costs. The project addresses strong demand for rehearsal spaces amid the building's long vacancy.