La Seu d'Urgell stalls purchase of Guiu Cinemas due to high costs

The local government warns that the 6 million euro investment could jeopardize the planned new municipal theater.

Facade of an old cinema with movie posters and a closed entrance.
IA

Facade of an old cinema with movie posters and a closed entrance.

The City Council of La Seu d'Urgell rejected a motion this February to commit to the purchase of Guiu Cinemas, citing a total estimated cost of 6 million euros.

The cultural venue faces closure following the owner's retirement. While ERC and Junts parties supported the acquisition in La Seu d'Urgell, the governing team voted against it to protect other planned investments.

"We must work on it seriously, slowly and without pressure, to find solutions without compromising all investments."

Joan Barrera · Mayor of La Seu d'Urgell
The purchase price is set at 3 million euros, with an additional 3 million needed for renovations. Mayor Joan Barrera emphasized that the priority remains the construction of a new theater auditorium in the Horta del Valira area.
Opposition leaders argued for the cinema's social importance, while the CUP party abstained from the vote, calling for more transparency in the ongoing negotiations with the private owners.