The rehabilitation and consolidation works on the industrial building, which began in November 2024, are nearing completion, with an expected finish next month. This intervention, lasting a year and a half, aims to convert the building into a knowledge center, a joint initiative by the Manresa City Council and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).
Recently, the Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, visited the facilities in Manresa, coinciding with the Generalitat's agreement to inject 4 million euros into the project. This contribution adds to the efforts to revitalize a space that was an industrial symbol and is now projected towards the future.
“"It's wonderful that the centenary practically coincides with the completion of the first phase, which has allowed us to recover the original heritage building."
The facade facing Betrand i Serra Avenue, which had been lost, is now scaffold-free and will serve as the main entrance to the future complex. Mayor Marc Aloy emphasized that, once the fences are removed, the Fàbrica Nova will once again be part of the urban space, without physical separation, symbolizing the progress of a complex project not expected to be completed within a single term.
The next crucial step is the interior design of the more than 17,000 square meters of the building, which includes a basement, ground floor, and first floor, with the possibility of expanding up to 20,000 square meters with mezzanines. Of the 23 interested teams, eight have been selected and will present their proposals after Easter. The winning firm will have a year and a half to develop the definitive project.
The interior project must include four main blocks: spaces open to the public with a large atrium and a public library, catering services, and multipurpose spaces for conferences and events. It will also house UPC spaces (classrooms, laboratories, workshops), a Practical Training Center, and areas dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship.
Concurrently, urban planning for the surrounding area is underway, with plans to create a large park and reserve land for future buildings or university expansions. Aloy stressed the importance of not limiting the project solely to the Fàbrica Nova building, but also anticipating growth and other activities. While awaiting the second phase of interior works, the rehabilitated building is expected to host open days and become a space of interest for entities and institutions.
