Sanz and Grupo Azvi sign protocol to restore the Lope de Vega Theatre and the Royal Artillery Factory

Mayor José Luis Sanz and the president of Fundación Grupo AZVI, Manuel Contreras Ramos, have signed a framework agreement that will allow for the restoration of the Lope de Vega Theatre and the Casino de la Exposición, as well as promote the Royal Artillery Factory as a cultural reference centre.

The Seville City Council and Fundación Grupo AZVI signed a General Protocol of Action on Tuesday that lays the groundwork for a strategic collaboration in heritage and culture. The agreement, signed at the City Hall by Mayor José Luis Sanz and the foundation's president, Manuel Contreras Ramos, includes two immediate projects: the restoration of emblematic buildings from the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 and the promotion of the Royal Artillery Factory as a major cultural centre.

Restoration of the Lope de Vega Theatre and the Casino de la Exposición

The first line of action will focus on the recovery of the built heritage from the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. The project includes scientific research and the restoration of the Lope de Vega Theatre and the Casino de la Exposición, two architectural gems in the María Luisa Park.

According to the City Council, the polychromy, materials, and original finishes of both buildings will be studied and restored. The aim is to establish an intervention model that can serve as a reference for future actions on the heritage of 1929.

The people of Seville will be able to see how these spaces regain their original splendour, which will enhance the cultural and tourist offer of the city. The works will begin once the specific agreements are signed, presumably in the coming months.

The Royal Artillery Factory, a new cultural hub

The second line of work will focus on the Royal Artillery Factory, an 18th-century heritage site located in the San Bernardo neighbourhood. The agreement aims to strengthen its role as a space for contemporary creation, promote exhibition projects, and support artists and researchers.

The goal is to increase the national and international profile of this space, which already hosts events such as the Nocturama visual arts festival. The City Council wants to turn the old factory into one of the major cultural centres in Spain, comparable to other repurposed industrial spaces like the Matadero in Madrid.

For the residents of San Bernardo and central Seville, this will mean revitalisation of the area, with more cultural activities and a steady flow of visitors. The initiative is part of the preparations for the centenary of the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929, which Seville will celebrate in 2029.

Public-private collaboration without immediate financial commitments

The signed protocol has an initial validity of two years, extendable for another two, and does not involve financial commitments or budgetary obligations for either party. Each specific project will be developed through specific agreements that will detail the actions, resources, and responsibilities.

Mayor José Luis Sanz has highlighted that "Grupo AZVI represents one of the best examples of a company born in Seville that has managed to grow into an international reference without ever losing its roots." For his part, Manuel Contreras Ramos emphasised that "Seville is part of our history and our identity" and that the foundation will collaborate to "position it as one of the great cultural capitals of Europe."

This agreement is part of the City Council's strategy to promote public-private collaboration to protect historical heritage and strengthen culture. The Councillor for Culture, Juan Manuel García, has pointed out that the model allows for "multiplying resources and capacity for action" without burdening municipal finances.

The joint monitoring committee, made up of representatives from both institutions, will meet quarterly to coordinate actions. The first specific agreements could be signed before the end of the year. In the meantime, the people of Seville can expect to see visible improvements at the Lope de Vega Theatre and the Royal Artillery Factory in the next two years.