Sant Julià de Lòria to Tender €12M University Residence at Former Hotel Pol
Local council launches April tender for private firms to build and operate 100-bed student housing on 50-year concession, balancing profitability.
Key Points
- Tender in April for €12M project: 70 rooms, 100 beds, 50-year concession.
- Affordable rents up to €500/month for students and young people; services for residents.
- Several firms interested; part of strategy to attract students and boost innovation hub.
- Tied to University of Andorra expansion in renovated Fàbrica Reig by 2027-28.
Sant Julià de Lòria's local council plans to launch a tender in April for the construction and operation of a university residence at the former Hotel Pol site.
Cònsol Major Cerni Cairat confirmed that the council has finalised its economic viability plan and is completing the tender specifications to allow interested companies to bid for the concession. The project requires an estimated investment of €12 million, an amount the council says it cannot cover directly amid other major expenditures, such as the reconstruction of the Centre Cultural Lauredià. To attract private bidders, the council has prioritised ensuring profitability for companies while mandating affordable room rates for students.
Several firms have already expressed interest, and Cairat believes most could meet the tender's requirements. The residence will feature around 70 rooms and 100 beds, with a 50-year concession period. A survey of university students about a year ago indicated they would accept monthly rents up to €500. Beyond student housing, the facility will include affordable units for young people and services open to all parish residents.
The initiative forms part of the council's broader strategy to draw more students, boost higher education, stimulate the local economy, and position Sant Julià de Lòria as Andorra's hub for training, innovation, and technological development.
Discussions have been ongoing for months with the national government and the University of Andorra to shape the project. Cairat hopes a working group will reconvene soon to secure firmer commitments, including potential financial support from the executive. While the government has shown willingness to discuss involvement, no formal agreement exists yet. The executive's final decision may hinge on the tender's response from companies.
Meanwhile, renovation work continues on the former Fàbrica Reig building, slated to host a University of Andorra expansion starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: