Sóller Makes Progress in Restoring La Defensora Theatre

A technical drafting process is underway to refurbish the old theatre in Sóller as a cultural centre

What does it consist of?

The old La Defensora Theatre, an iconic building in the town centre of Sóller, will enter a new era thanks to a building restoration project that’s currently being drafted. This is a key step in reviving the building after its structural collapse, seeking to make it a new social and cultural centre in the municipality.

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Data

LOCATION
Mallorca
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Federació d'Entitats Locals de les Illes Balears
Awarded entity
Ajuntament de Sóller
Total project amount
412.500 €
ITS granted amount
412.500 €
Executed amount
0 €
Call year
2024-2025
Planned execution
2025 - 2035
Execution status
Not started
Purpose
Cultural heritage
Budget execution
Executed: 0%
Last data request
23.10.2025

The project

In September 2023, part of the roof of the old La Defensora Theatre collapsed, revealing serious structural weaknesses. Since then, Sóller Town Council has been leading urgent work to remove rubble and shoring. Now, thanks to support from sustainable tourism tax (ITS), progress is being made on the drafting of the technical plan that will lay the foundations for its complete restoration.

Plans will be drafted for the building’s partial reconstruction, refurbishment and structural reinforcement, together with comprehensive improvements to energy efficiency. The technical plan will also cover the functional workings of the space, which will become a multi-purpose cultural centre with the capacity to host theatre, music, cinema, dance, exhibitions and training activities.

The building, with a surface area of around 1,650 m², is part of the municipality’s collection of property and equipment. The works aim not only to restore heritage, but are also seen as a tool to boost cultural activity in Sóller and to reduce the seasonality of tourism. The project also includes key aspects of environmental sustainability and accessible uses for local organisations.

With an expected investment of more than €400,000 for drafting the project alone, it is hoped that this step will mean the works can be put out to tender in the near future. The ITS fund fully covers this initial stage, ensuring that the restoration of the old theatre starts on a solid, well-dimensioned technical foundation.