The project for the new District Archive of Conca de Barberà in Montblanc has received initial approval from the Local Government Board. The document, now open for public exhibition for 30 days, foresees an investment of over 4 million euros for the construction of a facility that will address the deficiencies of the current headquarters, located in the former Hospital de Santa Magdalena.
The current archive suffers from significant problems, including a high risk of flooding and a lack of essential spaces for new acquisitions and archival work. Cataloging, digitization, and classification tasks are carried out in inadequate areas, such as the consultation room itself. Furthermore, it lacks rooms for conferences, exhibitions, or educational workshops, and the old chapel is used as an activity room without being properly equipped.
Lack of accessibility is another drawback, as the consultation room is on the first floor without an elevator, failing to comply with current regulations. Spaces for general storage, archival material, sanitary services, and cleaning and maintenance staff are also missing.
These issues have necessitated a new location, as the current building, a former medieval hospital, could not be adapted due to its location in a flood-prone area and its heritage protection status. The new building is planned across three levels in the Baluard area, featuring public access spaces, a multipurpose room, a consultation room, offices, a loading dock, a meeting room, work areas, and storage facilities.
“"By the end of the year, all the procedures should be completed."
