Barcelona's Ateneu Barcelonès, presided over by Isona Passola, saved €18,454 in local taxes on extensive renovation works at its historic Palau Savassona headquarters. The institution, located at Carrer de Canuda, 6, in the Ciutat Vella district, also secured a €165,000 subsidy from the Barcelona City Council for further building rehabilitation, Metrópoli Abierta reported.
The City Council granted a substantial 95% reduction on the Impuesto sobre Construcciones, Instalaciones y Obras (ICIO) tax for several projects. This significant tax break meant the Ateneu Barcelonès paid only €970 of the €19,425 total tax due for these works. The Palau Savassona building holds Level A heritage protection, a high designation for its historical and architectural value. Additionally, the City Council declared the renovation works to be of public interest and municipal utility. These factors qualified the Ateneu for the considerable tax relief.
The tax reduction applied to a series of essential renovations at the historic building over recent years. One project involved converting a writing school into an information point, alongside levelling the pavement at the carriage entrance. For these specific improvements, the Ateneu paid €410 instead of the original €8,205 in ICIO tax. Furthermore, the institution undertook the replacement of 12 windows situated on the second floor. This particular reform saw the Ateneu pay just €76, a significant reduction from the anticipated €1,534.
Preserving a National Cultural Asset
Other major works also benefited from the tax relief. These included the structural rehabilitation of the ceiling on the main floor, known as the planta noble. Partial rehabilitation of both the second and third floors also received the tax reduction. In this instance, the €9,686 tax bill for these extensive structural improvements was reduced to just €484. These measures help maintain the integrity of a building recognised for its historical importance.
City Council Funds Further Rehabilitation
Beyond the tax breaks, the Barcelona City Council recently approved a substantial €165,000 subsidy for the Ateneu Barcelonès. This funding will specifically support further rehabilitation and improvement of various spaces within the Palau Savassona. The municipal government, led by Mayor Jaume Collboni, justified its decision by highlighting the institution's "more than 150 years of history" dedicated to "the dissemination of Catalan culture and the country's cultural and political debate." The Palau Savassona has also held the prestigious status of a National Cultural Asset since 1981, further cementing its importance.
Impact on Barcelona's Cultural Landscape
These financial measures demonstrate the City Council's commitment to supporting Barcelona's cultural heritage and institutions. The Ateneu Barcelonès, a prominent cultural hub in the heart of Ciutat Vella, plays a critical role in fostering intellectual discourse and promoting Catalan identity. The tax breaks and subsidy ensure the continued preservation and modernisation of this vital landmark, benefiting both residents and visitors who engage with its diverse cultural offerings.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
