The Department of Education and Vocational Training has begun work at the former Simon factory, located on Carrer Barcelona in Girona, with the aim of preparing it to become the future Comtessa Ermessenda institute. Upcoming tasks will include extracting accumulated water from the basement and comprehensive cleaning of the building.
After taking possession of the property, the Generalitat has implemented security measures to protect it. Access points have been sealed, fences installed, and an alarm system activated to prevent further occupations. These actions precede the drafting of the renovation project and the commencement of construction for the educational center.
The Girona City Council handed over the building to the Generalitat on August 6th, following an eviction carried out by the Municipal Police and the Mossos d’Esquadra, with support from municipal Social Services. Approximately 25 people were found inside at the time of the eviction.
The acting mayor, Sílvia Aliu, confirmed the handover of keys to the director of territorial services for Education, placing the responsibility for future measures on the department. Security, she indicated, would fall under the purview of the Mossos d’Esquadra.
The building, abandoned for years, has suffered progressive deterioration. Current actions are part of the initial conditioning phases before defining the final project. According to Miquel Marcé, director of territorial services for Education, the main construction work is scheduled to begin in two years.
The future Comtessa Ermessenda institute, with a capacity for 690 students, will offer programs for Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO), Baccalaureate, and adult education. This project is part of the transformation of Girona's southern entrance, which includes new residential areas, green spaces, and facilities around Carrer Barcelona.
