The initiative, promoted by Barcelona en Comú and ERC with support from Junts, passed despite the municipal government's abstention. Deputy Mayor for Economy Jordi Valls defended the decision to abstain, arguing that the auction will help determine the real market value of the facility, which is currently managed by the state-owned company Mercasa.
The auction is set for June 10, starting at 25.7 million euros, with potential drops to 18.5 million euros if no initial bids are made. The city previously declined an offer to purchase the site for 27 million euros, citing the price was too high for the current state of the complex.
“"The abstention is a message to Mercasa and whoever goes to the auction; it allows us to differentiate between price and value."
Opposition leaders expressed disappointment with the government's stance. ERC councilor Jordi Coronas stated that public buildings should not be auctioned without city approval, while Marc Serra from BComú criticized the administration for failing to prioritize the needs of the local residents.
