From Cinema to Community Center: Palma Plans a Large Multiservice Center in Pere Garau

A Piece of Cinema History Gets a New Purpose

Anyone who has walked past the small street near the Pere Garau Market in recent years will surely have noticed the dark, empty foyer of the former Metropolitan. Popcorn smell and movie posters have disappeared, leaving behind a large, unused volume in the middle of the neighborhood. The city administration now has the idea: the old cinema building should become a multiservice community center for the neighborhood.

What is planned

The designs are not yet finalized, but the key data are clear: around 7,000 square meters of usable space, a budget of about 17 million euros, and a mix of public offerings under one roof. Planned are, among others, a police station (space for about 30 officers), a health center, childcare, a neighborhood library, and rooms for senior services. An underground car park is also under discussion.

Why the project matters

Pere Garau is among the most densely populated districts of Palma. Many services currently run in rented spaces at various locations—this costs rent and fragments offerings. The city argues that a bundled offering saves money in the long run and is easier for residents to access. I was there last week, around 6 p.m., and spoke with a market vendor: 'Finally, something for us,' she said as cars honked past the corner.

What happens next

The city has launched an ideas competition. Architecture firms can submit proposals, including whether parts of the old cinema façade should be preserved. Conserving is not mandatory, but those who integrate the historical element cleverly earn extra points with the jury. The purchase of the building has already happened—the city paid, according to a council decision, about 3.6 million euros and also secured neighboring plots.

The mayor and city councilors stressed in the special session that they want to tackle the project without artificial delays: construction start is provisionally planned for the year 2026. For the residents of Pere Garau this could mean shorter trips to authorities, more meeting points, and less rent expenditure for the city—currently some services would spend tens of thousands of euros in rent each year at different locations.

Of course there are questions: cost control, accessibility, and whether the center really covers all needs. That will only become clear when the first competition designs are in. Until then, the Metropolitan remains a distinctive building with memories of film nights—and the prospect of a new role as a place for everyday neighborhood life.