A Piece of City History Disappears: Kiosk Demolished at Plaça Alexandre Jaume

On Monday the starting signal was given: diggers instead of newspapers

Around 8 a.m. the first excavator could be heard on Plaça Alexandre Jaume — where the kiosk used to stand, long a regular spot for quick newspaper reading, a scoop of ice cream, or a chat. I happened to be nearby: sandals, the scent of coffee from a nearby bar, and a small crowd of onlookers taking photos as if a monument were being taken down.

Not the end, but still a symbol

The demolition affects not only this corner at the upper end of Sindicat Street. The empty house opposite the La Misericòrdia community center is expected to follow soon. Those who pass here often feel: it's less about concrete than about everyday culture. Newspaper kiosks long belonged to Palma's image — they sold newspapers from around the world, sticker albums, sometimes cigarettes, and they were meeting points for short conversations.

The operators view it with mixed feelings. After modernization by the operator Kemfactory, some kiosks had a fresher look and offered not only press but also ice cream and snacks. Yet the owners complain that rules were imposed: no hot drinks to avoid competition with cafés. For many customers, though, a quick milk coffee at the kiosk was everyday life.

A resident said that life had been made difficult for them as she began her morning walk along the Passeig. She added that previously people met here; now there is only a gap.

What remains — and what is coming

The city plans changes in many places; some squares will be redesigned, others repurposed. Whether at Plaça Progrès or Olivar Market, familiar stalls disappear here, and in their place could stand information pillars, benches or flower boxes in the future. That may make urban planning sense — yet many notice: small life loses its corners.

I stood there for a while, watching an elderly lady pick up one last newspaper from the display and two youths asking where they should now buy their Panini packets. These are the small scenes that will be missed.

Whether demolitions are a solution for urban togetherness or rather cost a piece of identity, the neighborhood will surely discuss this further. For the moment there remains only: a hole in the pavement, a pile of rubble, and the memory of a kiosk where one would sometimes simply pause for a moment.