The privatization of tobacco farming in Spain put an end to the economic activity of the factory, which stood as an emblematic building in the center of the city. The new Cultural Center contains co-working spaces, collaborative design, a library, audiovisual rooms, commercial premises, art and film exhibitions, free open spaces for society, fashion design and dance rooms. In addition, it hosts workshops and events, and also finances projects with a social impact based on innovation.
Its strategic situation has implications that go beyond the rehabilitation of the Tabakalera building, since this emblematic building becomes a spearhead for the urban transformation that encompasses the Egia neighborhood, the Cristina Enea park, the bus station , the environment of Atotxa, facing the burying of the tracks with the arrival of the TAV and the new train station.
Before and after the Tabakalera project.
Turning our gaze to the Tabakalera building, this was carried out thanks to the creation of a Mercantile Society that created the Centro Internacional de Cultura Contemporánea, S.A., with the participation of the San Sebastián City Council, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Government in equal parts and has a share capital of 12 million euros.
Percentage of participation of public administrations
Once the building has been rehabilitated, both public institutions and private initiatives develop their projects in this cultural building. The new building has an internal square that has managed to attract citizens and perpetuate a public space for use and enjoyment. The shared mission of all the institutions and projects that make up Tabakalera is to contribute to the development of the creative and critical capacity of Basque society, promoting creative and participatory leisure (tabakalera).