Restoration work and adaptation of the Ansaldo Tower as a new cultural centre in Sant Joan d'Alacant

Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (ACI) in the municipality of Sant Joan d'Alacant, the Ansaldo Tower dates back to the 16th century as part of a family fortress. The restoration has not only enhanced the structure as a cultural and urban landscape landmark, but also cleaned up the less interesting aspects of the complex and consolidated a new proposal for the building. The main hall has been fitted out as a centre for permanent and temporary exhibitions and the rest of the building will house a visitor's centre, the orchestra's rehearsal rooms and the library of the future music school. 
 
The lower part of the tower is solid and to access the interior it is necessary to climb the staircase, which is 2.25 m from the floor of the hall. The 

 

first floor houses the coordination and management offices, the administrative secretariat and general offices. 
 
The exhibition room is used for projections and the display of posters on the Alicante market garden and will also be used as a library, music library and video library for the Conservatorio de Música.
 
A multi-purpose hall has been built on the site of the old wine cellar for orchestra, band and choir rehearsals. The hall will open onto an outdoor space to allow for open-air concerts where the audience will be seated in the courtyard created to the south west of the building.