Encamp Council Approves Key Infrastructure and Sports Upgrades to 2028

Encamp's local council has set 2028 as a target date for completing municipal infrastructure linked to the ICÒNIC project at Port d'Envalira, including the access road to CRAMEA and utility networks. During Monday's council session, members approved an extraordinary credit of just over €98,000—about 6% of the total budget—to cover unforeseen costs, with the opposition group Avancem abstaining over repeated overruns and vague timelines.

Avancem criticised the access road's escalating expenses, now exceeding €1.5 million compared to initial estimates below that threshold, and called for clearer details on the council's scope. Council leader Laura Mas clarified that the 2028 horizon applies only to local contributions, with drinking water and sewage networks slated for completion this summer under a government pact. She emphasised the council's adherence to its pledges, noting that broader project advancement relies on the private concessionaire. Part of the final €96,000 road cost will come from national funds.

The session also greenlit project designs for renovating the Baronia youth hostel in Cortals d'Encamp into a modern facility for leisure education and sports stays. Priorities include upgraded comfort, energy efficiency, sustainability, and flexible spaces to serve as a learning resource for young people, at an estimated €500,000.

Council members further approved a new setup for cultural and youth services in Pas de la Casa, relocating the library and youth centre to the former nursery building to improve visibility, expansion potential, and urban vibrancy as a hub for knowledge, culture, and creativity.

A key highlight was awarding the design contract for Pas de la Casa's sports centre overhaul, budgeted near €6 million overall, with the design phase at €402,000 as per 2026 plans. Finance, Sports, and Economic Reactivation councillor Nino Marot described it as an essential update for 40-year-old facilities last expanded two decades ago. Highlights include expanding the gym from 190-196 square metres to over 582 square metres on the ground floor—repurposing a former restaurant space—with contemporary equipment; renewing large and small pools plus jacuzzi areas; enlarging the indoor spa; and redesigning changing rooms for inclusivity and sports groups, alongside better access.

Marot pointed to 8,500 overnight stays by sports users in 2025, framing the project as vital for year-round tourism and global draw while limiting disruptions. Timelines aim for construction tender by 29 April 2026, works starting in June, gym phase operational by early 2027, and full completion possibly extending to 2028.

Other measures encompassed a MoraBanc deal for a 120-place assisted living and day centre on Carrer Prat Gran de l'Areny prioritising local parishioners; AI integration into the 500-plus camera videovigilance system for faster antisocial behaviour detection (€70,000); and LED streetlight upgrades with remote management for energy savings (€60,000). The meeting closed with the Consell de les Talles, approving 2026 grazing leases from €65-120 in Encamp to €1,400 in Pas de la Casa, plus rules and subsidies for small and large livestock to support herding, forest clearance, and avalanche risk reduction.