The decision follows a modification of the leisure plan for the industrial estates in Sant Quirze, which renders the nightclub non-compliant with current regulations. Although the owner claims no official communication has been received and the license remains valid, the urban development plan approved in 2021 mandates the cessation of musical recreational activities in this area, with a moratorium now expiring.
The club, situated on Narcís Monturiol street, straddling the border between Sant Quirze del Vallès and Sabadell, has historically been associated with the 'Zona Hermètica', even if it was never formally recognized by industry associations. In recent years, the venue has been involved in numerous incidents, including reports of assaults, beatings, and racial discrimination by security staff, as well as sexual assault allegations that were later withdrawn or dismissed.
The Mayor of Sant Quirze del Vallès, Elisabeth Oliveras, has voiced concerns about the safety of young patrons, citing issues of racism, violence, and theft. She lamented the perceived impunity often experienced due to a lack of evidence or denial of facts by security personnel, which hindered the protection of attendees.
In response to this situation, the Sant Quirze City Council requested intervention from the Generalitat (Catalan Government) to expedite the closure. The review of the general plan initiated in 2017 and the subsequent Special Urban Planning Plan in 2021 led to the decision to prohibit musical recreational activities in the Can Torres-Can Llobet industrial estate, where the nightclub is located.
The potential closure of Waka, originally known as Àrea, signifies the end of a project that transformed an industrial zone into a major nightlife hub in the 1990s. The 'Zona Hermètica' once housed between 40 and 50 venues, creating 400 jobs and becoming a nationally recognized phenomenon.
Nightlife journalist Xavi Rosell recalls the area's vibrancy, which once attracted up to 30,000 people on a weekend. While the high concentration of people led to problems and neighbor complaints, the initial intention was to avoid conflict. The zone experienced 'death by success' around 2010, leaving Sabadell without a major nightlife district.
Currently, the area hosts two smaller clubs, DrinkKing and Maloa, along with the pub Bliss. These venues comply with new regulations aimed at revitalizing youth entertainment with smaller capacity venues to minimize neighborhood disturbances.
