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Madrid, Spain.  The group “Save the Beti-Jai Fronton” continues to pay close attention to everything that happens regarding the expropriation of the building, declared of Cultural Interest.  Beti-Jai is the only Fronton in the world in the neo-Mudejar style and was declared of Cultural Interest in 1977 and again in 1991.

The group’s network, which includes architects, pilota fans and neighbors in the Chamberi area, where the fronton is located, have published images of the current state of the sports facility in which the state of neglect is appreciable as well as its risk of collapse (articles and images, here: http://frontonbetijaimadrid.org/blog).

Banned during the visit

Getting these photos was not easy, since according to members of the group, they were banned from a visit organized by Madrid’s City Hall as requested by the Municipal Group of the IU (Izquierda Unida/United Left).

“Representatives of the Area of Arts and Urbanism attended the visit, J.M.D. of Chamberi and the Municipal group of the IU on behalf of Madrid’s City Hall, as well as representatives of the General Directorate of Heritage on behalf of the community of Madrid.  Representing the proprietors (Tarcosul Gestion S.L. – formally known as Aguirene S.L.), and its representative with keys in hand,” as reported on their website.

[Image of the actual state of the Fronton’s upper level (photo Save the Frontont Beti Jai)]

Expropriation

On March 20 Madrid’s City Hall confirmed its intention to expropriate the building, designed by the architect Joaquín Rucoba, in order to safeguard its cultural value. The latest information published by the press is that the fair price of the Fronton has been assessed at 7.2 million euros.

The city has appealed this decision considering that a more appropriate value would be 5.7 million euros; the owner however calls for a higher price. While the issue is being settled, the fronton continues in a serious state of neglect, as seen in the images posted by its supporters.