Escaldes-Engordany to Open Tender for New Restaurants in Revitalised Square

Escaldes-Engordany authorities expect to complete adaptation works on two new commercial spaces in Plaça de l'Església by early March, paving the way for a tender to lease them as restaurants or cafés ahead of summer.

The premises, part of the public square and adjacent car park opened in mid-2023, aim to further revitalise the upper parish. Cònsol Major Rosa Gili described the square's performance as positive, citing successful events like those during the Caldes festival. "Every time we've held events there, it's been a success," she said, adding that residents are increasingly adopting the space but that the outlets will bring significant added activity.

An open house for the nearly finished units coincided with the traditional Encants market, inviting potential bidders ahead of the tender. Officials are finalising specifications, including base rental rates—pending a market study—lease terms, and requirements such as Sunday openings. Bidders can take both spaces or lease them separately, for instance as a mid-range restaurant and a café. The comú intends to outsource management, viewing it as outside its core responsibilities.

Gili emphasised urgency to align with warmer weather. "The spaces are almost ready and should launch soon—we'd prefer spring, but summer at the latest," she noted.

Next to the square, the Carmen Thyssen museum will soon move to the Node development, vacating the iconic Hostal Valira building. Gili said discussions with the government could lead to public use, or private operators might step in. "It's an attractive, high-potential site, and we're confident something worthwhile will materialise," she added, stressing the need for a strong project.