This week, restoration and adaptation work begins on the Umbracle in Ciutadella Park, one of the most iconic heritage buildings in this green space in the city. The project aims to preserve and modernise this historic structure so that it can accommodate new uses related to scientific outreach while maintaining its function as a plant conservation site.

The renovation will return the building, designed by Josep Fontseré in 1883, to its original appearance by restoring the façades and their perimeters, entrances, interior pathways and structural elements, as well as work on the roof. Work will also be carried out to adapt it to current regulations regarding safety, accessibility and fire protection.

The Umbracle is listed as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest and, together with the Hivernacle (greenhouse), the Three Dragons Castle and the Martorell Exhibition Centre, forms part of the heritage axis of the Ciutadella Knowledge Hub , a pioneering scientific and urban project that aims to transform the park and its surroundings into a leading hub of knowledge, outreach, research,and innovation in Europe.

A conservation project to adapt the building to current regulations

The works have an approximate budget of 2.3 million euros and are scheduled to last until the end of the first half of 2027. Improvements include the restoration of the exposed brickwork, the rehabilitation of the original woodwork and railings, the renovation of the flooring and interior furnishings, as well as improvements to the drainage and signage systems.

The building will be adapted to current regulations for a public building in terms of safety, accessibility and fire protection. Energy efficiency and sustainability will also be improved through the upgrade and enhancement of the irrigation system, including the addition of micro-sprinklers, and the replacement of the lighting system with energy-efficient technology. The works have been planned to ensure maximum protection for the various plant species preserved within the site.

A renovation to transform the Ciutadella

The restoration of the Umbracle complements the ongoing renovation of the park’s irrigation, drainage and paving systems, which are part of the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan within the framework of the Pla Endreça. In total, the works cover 11 of the Ciutadella’s 14 hectares of green space.

All the actions comply with the criteria of the Climate Plan and will enable the Ciutadella to become a more resilient park, adapted to the major challenges of climate change, while simultaneously preserving and rehabilitating its heritage.