Introduction
He Nuevo Illumbe, also called Illumbe Berria or New Illumbe (New Darkness), will become a sporting reference and cultural in Donostia-San Sebastián, marking a before and after in the city’s events infrastructure. This ambitious project seeks to enhance both the sports and cultural offerings, consolidating Donostia’s position as an epicenter of large-format activities.
He Donostia City Council, in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Government, has designed a comprehensive strategy for the modernization of this emblematic space. The remodeling will not only transform the old bullring into a state-of-the-art multipurpose pavilion, but will also bring with it a series of improvements in accessibility and connectivity with the city. The intervention provides for greater integration of the site with the urban fabric, allowing a more fluid connection with the rest of the city through improved infrastructure and new accesses.
The project also contemplates the application of innovative technologies to guarantee a sustainable and efficient design, optimizing the use of energy resources and minimizing the environmental impact. The Nuevo Illumbe is expected to significantly boost local economic activity, attracting visitors and promoting the development of the entertainment industry in Donostia and throughout Gipuzkoa. Ultimately, this transformation will provide the city with a modern and versatile space, prepared to host the most important regional and international events.
A modern and versatile pavilion
The project of Nuevo Illumbe It foresees the creation of a versatile space capable of hosting sporting events, concerts and large-scale shows, consolidating its position as one of the most important infrastructures in Gipuzkoa. With modern and functional architecture, the pavilion will be designed to adapt to various configurations and needs.
- Arena principal: with a capacity of 15,000 spectators, intended for large sporting and cultural events. Its modular design will allow the seating arrangement to be modified to optimize the audience experience depending on the type of show or competition.
- Secondary arena: with a capacity of between 2,500 and 3,000 seats, aimed at practicing sports and smaller-scale activities. This space will also be able to host local competitions and high-level training.
- Adaptive spaces: Although the main focus will be sports and cultural use, the design of the venue will allow the celebration of bullfighting events in a format adapted to the new infrastructure. In addition, it will have advanced acoustic technology to optimize the experience at concerts and entertainment shows.
- VIP areas and additional services: Exclusive areas for premium spectators will be included, with high-quality catering and hospitality services, as well as multifunctional spaces for conferences and corporate events.
- Latest generation technology: The venue will be equipped with an advanced LED lighting system, high-definition screens and improved acoustics, guaranteeing an unparalleled experience for attendees.
Remodeling of the environment and improvements in accessibility
He Donostia City Council has designed a plan to better integrate the pavilion into the city, ensuring its connection with the Anoeta sports city and the rest of the city. This modernization plan not only seeks to improve access and mobility, but also to revitalize the urban environment to turn it into a more accessible, modern and sustainable space. This is a comprehensive commitment to enhance the integration of the new pavilion into the urban fabric of Donostia.
The main reforms include:
- Creating a floating walkway which will connect the area with Anoeta, facilitating pedestrian access and ensuring more fluid circulation during the events. The structure will be designed with sustainable criteria, integrating architectural elements that respect the aesthetics of the environment and promoting comfortable and safe access for all citizens.
- New “high line” promenade-avenue, which will cover part of the variant and improve the experience of arriving at the facility, allowing more comfortable and safer transit for pedestrians. This elevated promenade will include garden areas, benches and rest areas, becoming a space for enjoyment not only for those attending events, but for the entire community.
- Reorganization of roads and urbanization of the surroundings, creating recreation areas and a large park-square for the enjoyment of event attendees, as well as green areas and outdoor recreation spaces. The incorporation of green corridors and modern street furniture will contribute to the transformation of the area into a meeting point for residents and visitors.
- Expansion of access and mobility: The connection with public transport will be reinforced through new bike lanes and bus routes that will facilitate access to the site, minimizing the impact on city traffic. In addition, an intelligent signaling system will be implemented to improve traffic flow on busy days.
- Improvement in lighting and security: With the aim of making this area a safe and accessible environment at any time of the day, a modern LED lighting system with motion sensors will be installed. Likewise, the presence of surveillance cameras will increase and security will be reinforced with patrols at large events.
Complementary infrastructure and sustainability
With the aim of improving mobility and parking capacity in the area, the project Nuevo Illumbe contemplates the construction of:
- An underground car park with capacity for 1,500 vehicles, which will serve the pavilion and the Anoeta stadium on days of mass events. This car park will have charging stations for electric vehicles and an intelligent management system that will optimize traffic distribution.
- park and ride area, to decongest traffic in the center of Donostia and promote sustainable mobility. This space will be connected to public transport lines that will facilitate access to the city center and other strategic areas.
- Energy efficiency systems: The pavilion will have solar panels, LED lighting and rainwater reuse mechanisms to reduce its ecological footprint. In addition, efficient air conditioning systems and sustainable construction materials will be implemented to minimize the environmental impact.
- Accessibility improvements: New ramps and elevators will be installed to ensure universal access to all areas of the venue, prioritizing the inclusion and comfort of all attendees.
- Green infrastructure: A landscaped roof will be added to some areas of the pavilion to improve thermal efficiency and promote urban biodiversity.
Cultural, sporting and economic impact of Nuevo Illumbe
The remodeling of Nuevo Illumbe It will position Donostia in the circuit of large shows and sporting events. He Donostia City Council has highlighted the benefits that this infrastructure will bring to the city:
- Promotion of sport and culture: new facilities for local sports clubs and space for large-format musical and cultural events. In addition, sports access programs will be developed for young people and vulnerable groups, ensuring an inclusive and accessible offer.
- Job creation and economic boost: The new venue will attract visitors and boost the local economy. It is estimated that its construction will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, in addition to creating opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and tourism.
- Increase in the leisure offer in Gipuzkoa: allowing the organization of large events without the need to travel to other cities. This will contribute to decentralizing entertainment and reinforcing local cultural identity, offering diverse options for all citizens.
- Tourism promotion and international positioning: The modernization of the pavilion will make it an additional attraction for tourists and visitors interested in entertainment and sports. It is expected that the new infrastructure will allow the attraction of international events, increasing the visibility of Donostia in the European cultural and sports panorama.
- Positive environmental impact: The design of the venue will include measures to reduce the ecological footprint, such as optimizing energy consumption, water recycling systems and the integration of green areas to improve the sustainability of the urban environment.
Deadlines and financing
The project, whose estimated budget amounts to 70 million euros, will be financed in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Government Vasco. The works are expected to be completed before 2030, aligning with other strategic projects in the city. To guarantee efficiency in the execution of the project, phased planning will be implemented that will optimize resources and minimize interruptions in the area.
The first phase of construction will include the most urgent structural modifications, such as the adaptation of the bases of the pavilion and the integration of urban connections with the Anoeta sports city. Subsequently, in a second stage, the installation of the technological equipment and the adaptation of the spaces for sporting events and activities will be carried out. Finally, in a third phase, the aesthetic and urbanization details of the surroundings will be completed, ensuring that the infrastructure is ready to receive your first events.
During the construction phases, measures will be implemented to minimize the impact on the community and ensure the continuity of events in the area. Alternative access routes will be established to avoid interruptions in circulation and agreements will be promoted with local entities to mitigate any temporary impact on nearby businesses and residents.
Conclusion
Nuevo Illumbe It will be an innovative pavilion that will provide Donostia with first-class infrastructure, prepared to host sporting, cultural and social events. With this remodeling, the city is positioned as a benchmark in the sports and cultural panorama of Gipuzkoa and of the country Vasco, strengthening its attractiveness for residents and visitors. Furthermore, this transformation will not only bring short-term benefits, but will also consolidate Donostia as a modern and competitive city in the field of entertainment and sports at a national and international level.
