The Board of the Fira de Lleida gave the green light yesterday to the bases of the competition that will define the future fairgrounds on the grounds of the former Hípica. This decision marks the formal start of a process that aims to radically transform the city's commercial infrastructure.
The total investment is around 100 million euros and includes a significant expansion of available space. The project seeks to connect this new enclave with the Llotja congress center via a pedestrian walkway.
A surface that multiplies by three
The current plans foresee increasing the surface area from 45,000 square meters to 116,000. Of this total figure, 27,000 meters will correspond to covered spaces distributed in five new pavilions.
It is estimated that in four years the urban planning and the first building will be ready. The drafting of the executive project has a cost valued at one million euros and assigns nine months to the selected firms for its final development.
"The designs must provide for access to the venue, the new pavilions, which will have underground parking, the distribution of open-air spaces, as well as take into account external and internal mobility" - Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida
The physical connection with the Llotja is one of the plan's backbone axes. Those responsible will also have to decide the fate of the Seròs canal, which crosses the plot, considering whether to bury it or integrate it scenically.
Economic Impact and Leadership Change
The mayor defended the capacity of the new equipment to consolidate Lleida as the second trade fair capital of Catalonia. The work will generate up to 400 direct and indirect jobs during its execution and subsequent operation.
"The new venue will be able to host all types of national and international fairs and exhibitions, as well as parties or events such as the Caragol meeting, it will be multifunctional and integrated with the city" - Fèlix Larrosa, mayor of Lleida
The financing depends on the Catalan Institute of Finance and the sale of the current land. According to the Municipal Urban Planning Plan, that freed-up area will be used for housing and to expand the Camps Elisis.
The tender will open immediately with an economic accreditation phase. Only five companies will pass to the final cut to present their technical proposals.
New address for the institution
Eduard Martín Lineros assumed yesterday the position of general director of the entity. He replaces Oriol Oró, who resigned in December after almost two decades at the head of the organization.
Martín is a senior computer engineer and received the National Computer Engineering Award in 2024. His career includes teaching at the University of Lleida and directing the .CAT Foundation.
The institution closes its fiscal year with positive numbers. The positive balance of 2025 reached 735,810 euros driven by the Municipàlia event. This result compensates for the biennial surplus of 255,000 euros recorded between 2024 and 2025.
While the administrative details of the move are being finalized, the immediate agenda includes an agreement with Fira 2000. The collaboration will allow the Smart Rural congress to be held in the city in the coming months.