Historic Lorca prison €1.8m restoration moves ahead with new language school planned

Two Murcia companies have won the contract to restore the protected former prison, creating a new home for Lorca's Official Language School alongside spaces for community and cultural events

Lorca's historic former prison is a step closer to starting a new chapter after two local companies were awarded the €1.8 million contract to restore the protected building and turn it into the town's new Official Language School.

The project has been awarded to Lorca-based Pavimentos Asfálticos Lario and Patrimonio Inteligente, from nearby Puerto Lumbreras, which submitted a joint bid. Their offer came in at €1.8 million, around 11% below the original €2 million budget.

Once the contract has been signed, the companies will have nine months to complete the work, meaning the building could be ready to open by spring 2027.

While the main purpose of the building will be to house Lorca's Official Language School, it will also be available for cultural events and other community activities. As well as classrooms, there will be rooms for workshops, cultural activities and community events organised by different council departments, together with offices, meeting rooms and a café for students, staff and visitors.

The building itself has a history stretching back to the 18th century, when it was originally built as a grain store known as the Pósito Alto. It later became the town prison and was constructed on top of Lorca's medieval walls. Archaeological work carried out in the basement uncovered remains of the old defensive wall and one of its towers, known as the Clock Tower.

The former prison is a protected historic building and has already undergone structural repairs and roof restoration following the devastating earthquakes that struck Lorca in 2011.

Inside, the building is arranged around three arcaded gallery wings spread over two floors, with one section also including a basement accessed from Calle Laberinto. A large courtyard occupies the north-west corner.

As part of the restoration, the building's original architectural features will be preserved, while accessibility will be improved with a new lift and upgraded entrances to make it easier for everyone to use.

The plans also include the addition of vertical gardens, which will help keep the building cooler in summer.

Image: Lorca Town Hall