The Contracting Board has declared the tender for the basic and execution project design, and site management for the rehabilitation of the old Post Office building in Valencia, known as the Palace of Communications, as void. The decision was made after considering that the sole consortium of companies (UTE) that submitted a bid did not demonstrate its economic viability, and no other offers were admitted.
The UTE comprised Erre Arquitectura, Técnica y Proyectos, SA; Instituto Técnico de Materiales y Construcciones, SA (Intemac); Andrés Martínez Herreros, SL; and Arqueox Patrimonio S.L. These professionals have participated in projects such as Marina de Empresas and the Hortensia Herrero center. The contract, valued at 1.6 million euros, included the design of basic and execution projects, health and safety studies, installations projects, as well as site management and safety coordination.
The contracting body considers that the economic and financial solvency, as well as the allocation of human resources by the UTE, were not adequately proven. The decision can be appealed by the company. This setback signifies a further delay for the project, which had already faced an administrative appeal from the College of Architects.
The mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, has expressed her desire for the building to house works by Joaquín Sorolla. Catalá traveled to New York last October to hold meetings at the Hispanic Society, which holds a significant collection of the Valencian painter's work. If confirmed, it would be the largest exhibition of Sorolla's art in the city in decades. The mayor signed an agreement with the Generalitat Valenciana, led by Juanfran Pérez Llorca, to promote a Sorolla Museum in Valencia.
