A premature and controversial start
A few days after the municipal elections of 2023, the former government headed by Meritxell Roigé inaugurated the Joan Moreira Space, a facility that promised to revitalize the cultural life of the municipality. With a capacity of 372 people, the space was presented as a multipurpose center aimed at hosting theater, conferences and concerts, as well as providing rehearsal premises for various local entities.
The construction in doubt
However, the inauguration was surrounded by controversy when it was discovered that the construction of the equipment had not been formally tendered. The official documents revealed that, according to the regulations, the appropriate process had not been followed, thereby raising doubts about the legality of the operation.
A committed chronology
The rehabilitation project, designed by architect Felip Carles, had been presented in November 2021 with an initial budget of 221,000 euros. However, the two tenders that followed were deserted. In an unexpected turn, a procedure was approved in February 2023, where the work was awarded to the Povill company one day after the inauguration.
Inappropriate conditions and preventive closure
Two years after the opening, the current governing body, led by Jordi Jordan, has ordered the closure of the Joan Moreira space for serious breaches in security. An external report detected deficiencies in facilities that compromise the safety of attendees, including the lack of appropriate anti -registration systems.
Repercussions and Solutions
The situation has caused that programmed activities be moved to other spaces in the municipality, with the need to invest between 37,000 and 256,000 euros to comply with current regulations. The corrective actions include the installation of fire extinguishing systems and the adaptation of the toilets for people with disabilities.
A controversial past and an uncertain future
The management of the Joan Moreira Space has aroused criticism in relation to the transparency of the previous government. Despite the fact that the equipment hosted important events, structural deficiencies and lack of regulatory compliance have left a legacy of doubts and responsibilities that the current government will have to resolve.
Perspectives of improvement
The City Council has begun procedures to declare the old factory as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL) with the aim of accessing aid that facilitate the necessary improvements. Likewise, a report of the Firefighters has been planned for the implementation of additional security measures.
Final reflection
As the Joan Moreira Space closes, the Tortosa community faces a challenge to recover a cultural space that has been marked by the controversy. The need for transparency and responsibility becomes more evident as it seeks to redirect the errors of the past to ensure a more secure and accessible future for all.