Fears grow for iconic Spanish landmark as historic Calpe building collapses

A landmark on Spain’s Costa Blanca has suffered a devastating blow after the roof of an iconic seaside building collapsed, raising fresh fears that a piece of the region’s architectural history could disappear forever.

The roof of the former Club Social La Manzanera in Calpe came crashing down on Sunday, November 1, after decades of deterioration and failed attempts to secure its future.

Fortunately, nobody was injured in the collapse. However, the incident has reignited a long-running battle over the future of the building, with local officials determined to save what remains of the historic structure.

Calpe Town Hall has now announced plans to launch a new administrative procedure in an attempt to restart the process of restoring the site.

A famous piece of Spain’s architectural history

The Club Social La Manzanera is part of an internationally recognised architectural development designed by celebrated Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill during the 1970s.

The wider complex includes some of Calpe’s most recognisable buildings, including the striking Muralla Roja and Xanadú, which have become famous for their distinctive designs and spectacular Mediterranean setting.

The social club was originally conceived as a leisure destination overlooking the sea, featuring a restaurant, swimming pools, terraces and a small harbour.

It also became an important social and cultural meeting place, reflecting the area’s development during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

However, while other buildings within Bofill’s architectural development remain standing and occupied, the social club has been abandoned since the 1980s and gradually fallen into ruin.

Mayor Ana Sala has described the building as an emblem of Calpe, the province of Alicante, the Valencian Community and Spain.

Halloween visitors highlight safety concerns

The collapse has also raised concerns about people continuing to enter the deteriorating property despite restrictions.

Local resident José Ortega, who has lived in the neighbouring Xanadú building for 35 years, described the noise of the collapse as resembling an earthquake.

He also revealed that people had been on the roof during Halloween night, just hours before the structure gave way.

Police have cordoned off access to the building and surrounding area, with the council warning residents and visitors not to approach the property or nearby cove because of the danger of further structural collapses.

More than 15 years fighting to save the building

The latest collapse marks another setback in a complicated restoration saga stretching back more than 15 years.

Previous proposals included a multimillion-euro renovation, with plans to restore the building and transform it into a cultural, scientific and educational space.

However, disagreements with Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and the coastal authorities over environmental restrictions, construction methods and the site’s location within protected maritime-terrestrial public land repeatedly prevented the plans from progressing.

According to Mayor Sala, the latest ministerial decision has withdrawn the municipality’s concession to renovate the property and requires the council to demolish the building at its own expense.

The town hall has appealed against the decision, with Sala describing the situation as unacceptable. Despite the latest setback, the mayor insists the municipality will not abandon the fight.

Councillor Pedro Moll has suggested exploring alternative legal protections and environmentally sensitive solutions, including the possibility of creating a Sea Museum with a café.

For now, the future of one of Calpe’s most distinctive architectural landmarks remains uncertain, with the municipality determined to find a way to preserve its surviving structure.