Juberri Gardens Creator Removes Sculptures After Council Deadline

Nicole Grignon, the creator of the Juberri gardens in Sant Julià de Lòria, has removed all the sculptures from the site and relocated them to private land next to her home. The move follows a three-month deadline set by the local council, which she met by 9 March.

The council issued a formal notice to Grignon on 9 December, requiring her to clear the communal plot and restore it to good condition by dismantling and removing all installed elements. This action invoked a clause in a 2004 agreement she signed with the parish authorities, which allowed the site to be used to enhance the local landscape and artistic heritage. The deal permitted unilateral termination by the council with three months' notice.

Grignon completed the process this week, including the removal of alarms and electricity connections shared with her residence on Monday. She told *Diari d'Andorra* that while she regrets the sculptures' departure, "what truly upsets me is for the people who enjoyed them, now facing an empty park." Over 22 years, the gardens drew thousands of visitors.

Local frustration had grown, particularly over the summer, due to heavy traffic, parking shortages, and uncivil behaviour around the park and nearby Auvinyà quarter. In early December, the council met with about 40 residents to discuss options, including alternatives to full dismantling, but ultimately opted for clearance.

Grignon also noted the council provided no assistance during the dismantling. She has not identified successors to manage the site, contributing to its closure. Despite backlash—including calls from supporters urging her to keep the sculptures open—she felt overwhelmed by gratitude from fans.

The council's consell major, Cerni Cairat, had indicated flexibility on timelines last December, but the deadline stood. Future plans for the recovered public space remain unclear.