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No space in the heart of Madrid: the Generalitat fails to find a headquarters
The Generalitat de Catalunya has been unable to find a new headquarters in the heart of Madrid after leaving Calle Alcalá. The high cost of the property market, with rents exceeding 64,000 euros a month, has forced it to move its operations to a less central location.
Currently, the delegation is located on Calle Orense, in the district of Tetuán, after leaving its historic building next to Banco de España, which is now set to become a luxury hotel. The move means a loss of institutional visibility in one of the city’s most prominent areas.
Attempts to acquire a building of its own have also failed. The offer of 33 million euros was not enough to compete in areas like Recoletos or La Castellana, where prices continue to rise and availability is increasingly limited.
In addition, the Generalitat de Catalunya’s specific requirements—a large space with cultural, administrative, and residential areas—have further reduced the options in a market where many properties are put to more profitable uses.
The cost of maintaining a headquarters in Madrid has risen significantly over the past two decades, reflecting the transformation of the centre into an increasingly exclusive and competitive space.
Beyond this particular case, the situation highlights how the property market is redefining institutional presence in major cities. In a Madrid where the centre is increasingly geared towards tourism and luxury, even public administrations are finding it difficult to remain in key areas, a shift that also affects the urban balance and the use of public space.