Sevilla bids farewell to new €4 million library

By Rund Abdelfatah

BULLDOZERS have begun to demolish a library originally intended to become a new landmark for Sevilla.

The building is being knocked down because of its position in the protected Prado de San Sebastian park.

The library, part of the University of Sevilla, was designed back in 2006 by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, winner of the Pritzker prize – otherwise known as the Nobel Prize of architecture.

But it has been contested by local residents for its violation of green zone regulations since construction began in 2008.

In 2009 Andalucia’s High Court ordered building to be stopped.

And now the structure, which had already cost €4 million, is to be reduced to rubble.

The Prado de San Sebastian is considered one of the natural havens of Sevilla and is protected by 1987’s town plan.

University of Sevilla officials have said the demolition will occur in two phases.

“The first provides for the demolition of the buildings above and below ground in the Prado (including underground parking), and is scheduled to end in late September.

“The second includes the removal of furniture (fountains, benches) and planting trees and shrubs.”

The demolition is expected to be finished by September, with the park back to its former self by spring 2013.