The Madrid City Council has tendered a contract for the drafting of the construction project that justifies, defines, and values the necessary works and actions for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the large pond in Retiro Park. This project, which will define the best solution for the renovation of these facilities, will serve as the basis for the tender of the works execution. The initiative, driven by the Department of Urbanism, Environment, and Mobility, led by Borja Carabante, has a budget of 122,677 euros and a deadline for completion of seven months from October 1st.
In May 2024, the basic project for the execution of the adaptation of the water treatment facilities in the Retiro pond was developed. This document includes an analysis of its current state and defined an alternative solution that increases performance and enhances the quality of the water surface. This solution is detailed at the basic project level, which will be the basis for the construction plan.
Several necessary premises were then established, such as increasing the capacity and quality of the plant’s treatment, adapting the facilities to the new projected equipment, carrying out the necessary civil works for it, repairing the identified structural damages in the building, waterproofing all vertical surfaces and the bottom of the pond to prevent leakage problems, as well as installing a distribution pipeline for treated water with different exit points along the perimeter of the pond to facilitate mixing and water movement within the pond and defining the repair work of the temple.
The Retiro pond was last emptied in 2001. At that time, it was determined to be emptied at a time interval close to 20 years, in line with the previous emptying in 1982.
El Retiro is declared a Cultural and Heritage Interest Site, in the category of Historical Garden, and is located within the archaeological protection zone of Recinto Histórico. The Madrid City Council has been working for years on improving the efficiency of the treatment system. These works have served as the basis for the decision to now launch this contract.
A project to serve as the basis for the tender of the works
The contractor for this contract, always based on the solutions included in the basic project for the adaptation of the water treatment facilities in the pond, must draft the construction project that justifies, defines in its entirety, and values the works to be carried out. Once the ideal technical solution is defined and all necessary prior authorizations are obtained, the final document that will serve as the basis for the tender and execution of the works will be prepared. Likewise, the contractor will have to assume all necessary revisions, modifications, and alterations of the construction project until its final approval by the Madrid City Council. In addition, the contractor must carry out the following actions:
– Analysis and study of the tender documentation, technical solutions, alternatives, and the proposal of definitive solutions to incorporate into the construction project.
– Inspection and necessary technical visits.
– Conduct an in-depth historical study on the operation of the pond when it was designed in the 17th century, not as an isolated element, but as part of the hydraulic infrastructure of the Retiro together with the water channels and waterwheels. The study should also explain how the gardens were irrigated, the operation of the fountains, the role of the pond, how it was filled and emptied, the evolution of the pond over time: its boundaries, how it was built, and how it supplied the porcelain factory. All this, being a first-rate heritage element, declared a Cultural and World Heritage Site.
– Preparation of necessary documents, reports, and dossiers for the required prior authorizations, including those related to archaeological intervention and heritage.
– Preparation of presentations on the project aimed at potential sponsors for the execution of the works, private funders (Foro por Madrid), and for dissemination and information among the public.
Ninety years as an Artistic Garden
The launch of this project coincides with the 90th anniversary of the declaration of El Retiro as an Artistic Garden. Since then, it has added new recognitions such as that of a Cultural and Heritage Interest Site. It is also part of the Paisaje de la Luz ensemble, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the category of Cultural Landscape under the title ‘Paseo del Prado and El Buen Retiro, Landscape of Arts and Sciences’.
This recognition highlights its importance not only as a historical garden but as a living cultural space that has accompanied the artistic, scientific, and social development of the city. For this reason, until July 9th, at the Montaña de los Gatos in Retiro Park, the public can enjoy the exhibition ‘From garden to landscape,’ a show that pays tribute to the history and nature of El Retiro on the 90th anniversary of its declaration as an artistic treasure and invites you to rediscover and celebrate that this iconic place has been a witness to the history and daily life of the city, an exceptional example of harmony between nature and art. The exhibition can be visited free of charge from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It will be closed on Mondays for maintenance and cleaning of the installation. /
