La Massana awards almost €900,000 contract for Alt de la Capa viewpoint despite citizens’ campaign to stop it
The council approves the construction contract with ten votes in favour and both opposition councillors voting against
La Massana Council approved the construction contract for the Alt de la Capa scenic viewpoint on Monday, despite a citizens’ initiative calling for the project to be halted.
The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Locubsa and Desplom for €892,148, with ten votes in favour from the governing majority and two votes against from the opposition.
The decision moves the project forward amid opposition from some residents to construction in this mountain setting. The location was a central issue in the council debate, with opposition councillors raising concerns expressed by members of the public.
Opposition councillors question the location
Opposition representatives made clear that they support the need for new tourist attractions and find the proposal interesting, but disagree with the chosen site.
Their objections focus on where the facility would be built, an issue that has also prompted the citizens’ campaign. Despite these concerns, the governing majority used its ten votes to approve the contract.
Sansa argues the site has already been altered by the ski resort
La Massana Mayor Eva Sansa defended the choice of Alt de la Capa, explaining that it lies within the Arinsal ski area, in a location already containing infrastructure and equipment associated with the resort.
She argued that choosing an area already altered by human activity was one of the criteria used to select the site.
Sansa maintains that the project combines tourism development with respect for the landscape and says it will have a minimal impact on the terrain. She also noted that a viewpoint requires an elevated location to fulfil its purpose.
The mayor highlighted tourism’s importance to Andorra’s economy and recalled Josep Serra’s role in establishing the Arinsal ski resort as an investment that brought prosperity.
She presented the viewpoint as part of an effort to continue creating economic opportunities linked to the mountains.
Addressing the disagreement, Sansa said she understood the different perspectives and was willing to meet anyone wishing to learn more about the project.
A viewpoint that will also serve as a performance space
Designed by architect Toni Riberaygua and engineer Carles Puig Becerra, the facility will have a dual purpose: a panoramic viewpoint and a venue for small-scale events.
Its concave shape, resembling a small amphitheatre, will allow visitors to enjoy the landscape during the day and the night sky after dark, while also accommodating cultural and astronomy activities.
According to the specifications presented by the council, approximately 80% of the work will be carried out in a workshop. The components will then be transported to the site by helicopter. The structure will rest on the ground at a single point, an approach the council says will reduce direct intervention on the mountain.
Marketing preparations are already under way
Tourism Councillor Mònica Solé explained that the council is already working on the activity programme, marketing plan and commercial arrangements for the viewpoint.
The council aims to extend the resort’s activity beyond winter and generate economic benefits for Arinsal. With the contract now approved, the project is moving forward while debate continues over its location and whether it should be built in this setting.
