The future Lluís Sitjar sports pavilion will have capacity for between 2,000 and 2,500 spectators and will promote the creation of more than 650 parking spaces in Es Fortí. The project will have an estimated budget of €43.5 million and will cover an area of nearly 48,000 square metres. The proposal will also incorporate around 32,500 square metres of green space linked to Palma’s Falca Verda.
The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, has presented the guidelines for the architectural design competition following their approval by the Junta de Govern. The project includes the construction of a new sports facility on the site of the former Lluís Sitjar stadium, together with new parking areas and a major urban and landscape redevelopment of the surrounding area.
Palma Mayor Jaime Martínez Llabrés shows the development area of the future Lluís Sitjar sports pavilion. Photo: Palma City Council.
Martínez Llabrés recalled that Palma has experienced significant population growth in recent decades, a reality that has increased the demand for public and sports facilities. “Palma needs new sports infrastructures that are modern, versatile and adapted to the city’s current and future needs,” the mayor stated.
The new Lluís Sitjar sports pavilion will strengthen the Falca Verda
During the presentation, Martínez Llabrés highlighted that the project will help recover “a space historically linked to Palma’s collective and sporting memory”.
The Lluís Sitjar area forms part of the green corridor of the Torrent de Sa Riera. This axis connects spaces such as parc de Sa Riera, the Canòdrom, Sínia d’en Gil and the future urban forest at the El Tirador velodrome. According to the City Council, the project will improve the urban connection between Son Cotoner, Es Fortí and Palma city centre.
The mayor also stressed that the regeneration of the area will “strengthen this green continuity and consolidate a major urban and landscape connection” between different parts of the city.
More than 650 parking spaces in Es Fortí
The project includes 125 parking spaces for pavilion users and five for coaches. It will also provide 400 spaces for residents in the underground car park at Plaça Barcelona. In addition, a further 131 newly created spaces will be added on Ramón Picó i Campamar street thanks to the new alignment planned for this road.
According to the mayor, the project will “significantly relieve the parking pressure currently affecting this area of Palma and substantially improve the functionality of the Es Fortí neighbourhood and its surroundings”.
A multifunctional pavilion for sport and community activities
The competition guidelines establish that the future Lluís Sitjar sports pavilion must include an interior clear height of between 10 and 12 metres. The pavilion will feature changing rooms, a medical room, meeting rooms, a café and auxiliary areas for athletes and spectators.
The project also includes two rooms for neighbourhood associations and other community groups. In addition, the guidelines foresee that the new facility will host different sports disciplines and provide modern, functional spaces for complementary uses.
Palma will preserve the memory of the former Lluís Sitjar stadium
The urban proposal aims to preserve historic elements of the former RCD Mallorca stadium. The guidelines include the incorporation of a topographical footprint or another symbolic element recalling the original layout of the ground.
In addition, the historic entrance gateway of the Lluís Sitjar stadium will be preserved and enhanced, although it may be relocated within the new development area.
The competition will take place in a single phase and will include a jury made up of municipal representatives, specialised technicians, renowned architects, members of the COAIB and neighbourhood representatives. The guidelines also establish a total of €55,000 in prize money, divided between a winning proposal awarded €25,000 and two finalist projects awarded €15,000 each.
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