The research center in classical archeology is considering moving to Tabacalera within four years
The Catalan Institute of Classical Archeology (ICAC) could have a new headquarters in the near future. It is one of the modules of the Tabacalera, a space that would allow it to have more square meters and be closer to the Paleochristian Necropolis, one of its main objects of study. This option was considered a long time ago, when Ballesteros was governing, and has now resumed its path with the completion of an evaluation study that must be presented at the end of March.
If the ICAC moves to Tabacalera, it would leave its current building free in Plaça del Rovellat, in Part Alta. This fact would benefit Xiquets de Tarragona, who have been demanding a new rehearsal space for years. The Castellera gang left its old premises on Carrer Santa Anna in 2018 due to the poor conditions of the building and since then has been meeting in the Pati del Pou of the Municipal Palace. However, this space does not offer them the comforts or dimensions they need to practice their castles.
The ICAC would triple its space
As Diari de Tarragona has reported, the ICAC has commissioned a report to assess the cost and feasibility of moving to La Tabacalera. Once it has the document, the research center will share it with the institutions involved (Generalitat, Diputació and City Council) to make a joint decision. From the management of the ICAC, it is considered that their current building no longer serves them to carry out their work with quality.
The possible change of headquarters in Tabacalera would mean for the Catalan Institute of Classical Archeology to go from 1,000 square meters to 3,000. This is what the director of the ICAC, Josep Maria Palet, has stated in the same medium. Palet has emphasized that the Tabacalera seemed to them an ideal location, as it would allow them to be closer to the Paleochristian Necropolis, which is their garden. The director of the ICAC has advanced that the meeting with the other administrations will take place after Easter. Whatever the resolution, Palet believes the new facilities won’t be ready for four years.
Els Xiquets, waiting for a new place
It should be remembered that Xiquets de Tarragona had to leave their premises on Calle Santa Anna in 2018 because the building was in poor condition. Since then, they have been rehearsing in the Patio del Pou of the Municipal Palace of the Tarragona City Council. But this space is small and does not have the right conditions for castellar practice. For this reason, Xiquets de Tarragona are looking forward to the possibility of moving to the building now occupied by the ICAC. Through social networks, the Castellera gang has asked the Tarragona City Council to make their place a reality and not to make them wait too long.