Palma Culture & Innovation Bay is an ambitious project aimed at transforming the waterfront and the Nou Llevant district into an innovation, culture, and sustainability hub. With this initiative, Palma seeks to position itself as a benchmark in the technological revolution of the 21st century, promoting new economic activities, improving environmental quality, and restructuring the use of public spaces.

The rector of the UIB, the mayor of Palma, the president of the Govern, the president of the Consell de Mallorca, and the president of the Balearic Port Authority with the signed protocol for the launch of Palma Culture & Innovation Bay. Photo: CAIB.

Among the 42 key initiatives of the project, the creation of the Digital Hub stands out—a space dedicated to boosting the cultural industry and the audiovisual sector by providing advanced technological tools and fostering creativity. This hub will also house the new premises of the Local Police, equipped with more efficient technology, and will serve as the modernisation centre for Palma’s Fire Department.

Waterfront regeneration

One of the major commitments of Palma Culture & Innovation Bay is the regeneration of the waterfront, transforming it into a sustainable and green axis. With the recent acquisition of the Gesa building, the future headquarters of the Central Culture and Innovation Building, a landmark space for art and culture will be established. Additionally, the project includes the creation of the Parc Verd de Llevant, the renovation of Parc Krekovic, and the construction of the Metropolitan Forest, which will become the city’s largest green lung.

In the field of nautical innovation and the blue economy, plans include the creation of the Municipal Sailing School, a Nautical-Fisheries Vocational Training Centre, and a new Oceanographic Institute, alongside spaces dedicated to experimentation and technological development in the maritime sector.

Institutional agreement

The general action protocol for the creation of Palma Culture & Innovation Bay has been signed by Palma’s mayor, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, the president of the Govern, Marga Prohens, the president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, the rector of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Jaume Carot, and the president of the Balearic Port Authority (APB), Javier Sanz.

During the project’s presentation, the mayor of Palma highlighted that this initiative represents a firm commitment to the knowledge economy: “This new innovation district is unique in Spain and allows us to differentiate ourselves as a leading city in the technological revolution of the 21st century.” Meanwhile, the president of the Govern, Marga Prohens, emphasised the importance of this agreement for Palma’s transformation: “This protocol is a crucial step in the economic and urban transformation of the city. Promoting sectors linked to innovation, research, and culture reflects our determination to shift towards a more productive and socially beneficial model.”

Strategic pillars of Palma Culture & Innovation Bay

Palma Culture & Innovation Bay is structured around several strategic pillars covering key areas for the city’s development:

Innovation and knowledge economy

  • Creation of the Digital Hub for the audiovisual and cultural sector.
  • Implementation of a Sandbox regulation to facilitate pilot innovation projects.
  • Opening of a satellite campus for the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).
  • Development of a Fab-Lab facility for technological innovation.

Sustainability and green spaces

  • Municipalisation of the Waterfront with the acquisition of Gesa.
  • Creation of Parc Verd de Llevant and renovation of Parc Krekovic.
  • Construction of the Metropolitan Forest, Palma’s largest green lung.

Culture and heritage

  • Construction of the Central Culture and Innovation Building in Gesa.
  • Development of cultural spaces such as Can Ribas, Baluard del Príncep, and the Krekovic Cultural Centre.
  • Creation of the Music Park, home to the Balearic Symphony Orchestra.