Andorra Buys Adjacent Land for Prison Mental Health Expansion

The Andorran government has signed a promise of sale to purchase a 1,600-square-metre undeveloped plot directly adjacent to the penitentiary centre at La Comella, opting against renting the outdated Arch Led building. The deal, with the same investor who bought the larger L-shaped site at a BPA auction after the bank's collapse, is set for final deed signing by the end of summer at around €260,000.

Minister of Justice and Interior Ester Molné detailed the shift in an *Altaveu* interview. Technical studies on the Arch Led structure—a very old building on an oversized plot—found no major structural issues but flagged the need for extensive, costly adaptations to suit prison use. Officials considered partial leasing or outright purchase but concluded buying the adjoining unbuilt section abutting the perimeter wall offered a more strategic path for new construction tailored to needs.

The planned facilities will feature a dedicated module for inmates with mental health disorders, currently accommodated in part of the minors' unit, alongside spaces to promote rehabilitation. Molné cited rising societal mental health issues as driving the demand, with French prison officials already contributing requirements via a commissioned report. Construction will likely occur in the next legislative term, though planning could progress sooner now that the site is secured.

Ongoing steps include land subdivision. A 2026 budget line for potential rental costs was included as a precaution during evaluation but is no longer needed. Molné suggested the purchase could also enable extra parking and an elevator connecting levels, subject to further designs.