Andorran Parishes Mid-Term Review Highlights Housing and Infrastructure Projects

### Mid-Term Review: Andorran Parishes Outline Key Projects at Mandate Halfway Point

Andorra's parishes are midway through their current terms, roughly two years after the last elections, with local councils focusing on housing, infrastructure, urban planning, and major facilities amid ongoing challenges.

**Andorra la Vella prioritizes affordable housing and amenities.** The capital has launched a negotiated procedure to secure a private investor for building and managing apartments at Terra Vella. It plans to soon hire a firm to renovate the first floor of Reviu, aiming to offer regulated-price units from unused spaces. The Jaume I residence will convert into senior housing. This year, the parish transferred land to Cedre for government-built affordable homes, including a public square and the Santa Coloma ancestral home. On infrastructure, Espai Capital—a flagship project intended as the nation's economic, cultural, and social hub—has drawn strong private investor interest, with awarding expected soon. Plaça del Poble is complete, though a legal dispute with the Vinyes family over parking leaks during construction remains unresolved. Efforts to repurpose Pouets have so far failed.

**Escaldes-Engordany grapples with Clot d'Emprivat towers.** The high-rises dominate discussions, now fully politicized beyond urban planning. Consul Major Rosa Gili recently proposed a tripartite commission with the government and General Council to halt new projects, but Minister Spokesperson Guillem Casal rejected it, noting parishes hold urban competencies. Three towers are under construction under norms Gili updated in March 2023, requiring 50-64% open ground-level space depending on building type. Gili acknowledges the towers' revenue has funded key initiatives, despite her reservations. The parish expanded its assets since the 2019-2023 term, acquiring Madriu Valley entry plots and highland bordes for public services. Recent openings include project Caldes and parking at Falgueró and Església. The final year has been overshadowed by the Empark scandal, leading to a rift with mixed-group councillor David Pérez since October; the Batllia probes his wife, the parish's IT head, for data theft, while the council accuses Empark—the Escaldes Centre parking concessionaire—of irregular fee hikes.

**Canillo awaits cable car launch.** The star project links the former Pla camping area to the Tibetan bridge; awarded in October, construction could start soon. Other efforts include joint parish tourism asset management (Tibetan bridge, Roc del Quer viewpoint, Cal Federico) handed to Palau de Gel, Canillo urban center remodeling, and POUP revisions to cap potential population and blend buildings into the landscape.

**Encamp secures ski domain deal.** The term opened with a 50-year Saetde concession for Pas de la Casa-Pic Maià-Grau Roig, the article's most significant project with nationwide economic and social impact. Additional works cover a new Arinsols square senior space and remodeling Avingudes Joan Martí and Encamp in Pas de la Casa.

**Ordino faces landowner backlash over POUP.** Property owners challenge the revised urban plan, claiming lost rights, but Mayor Maria del Mar Coma expects technical commission complaints to fail, arguing it channels growth to cores while preserving mountain character. Ongoing: water network expansion and senior socio-health center site study.

**La Massana imposes building quotas.** An innovative annual quota system by quarter curbs construction frenzy amid water network strain from demographic pressure; €8 million will upgrade it. Water shortages also hinder Pal-Arinsal ski link progress alongside institutional hurdles. The parish ceded land for government affordable housing and helped fund a road deviation.

**Sant Julià de Lòria rebuilds cultural hub.** Consul Cerni Cairat's mandate centers on reconstructing fire-damaged Centre Cultural Lauredià from November 2022, set for spring completion. Priorities include revitalizing Naturland post-Xabier Ajona's exit, converting former Hotel Pol to a university residence, and advancing senior apartments under construction.