Andorra Awards €154K Contract for New Vocational School in La Massana

The Andorran government has awarded architect Xavier Orteu Riba a €154,000 contract to develop the project design and oversee construction of the Escola d'Oficis vocational school on the former Casa Parramon site in La Massana.

Minister of Presidency, Economy, Work and Housing Conxita Marsol, who also serves as government spokesperson, announced the decision following Wednesday's Council of Ministers meeting. She described the initiative as a strategic project that will house the new facility on the long-vacant plot.

The development will enhance pedestrian connectivity in the area, linking Carrer Doctor Vilanova at the upper end with Carrer Josep Rossell below, close to existing schools in the parish. Technical teams from relevant departments will shape the building's space distribution and internal layout progressively across design phases, prioritising functionality, efficiency, internal circulation, spatial relationships and architectural quality.

The school aims to provide hands-on training through placements in local firms, building on existing vocational programmes with a stronger emphasis on practical skills in key sectors such as plumbing and heating systems. Agreements with businesses are already secured.

Planning input will come from Urbanisme, Educació, Indústria, Treball i Ocupació departments, in coordination with La Massana commune to regenerate the zone. The original Casa Parramon building was demolished in August 2021 after years of disuse.

Operational details for the training programme are expected in September via the Education ministry. Marsol indicated that classes could start independently of full construction, with the structure initially built to basic specifications ahead of specialised workshops.

The project will turn the site into a vital training and community resource.