The Alicante Provincial Council, in collaboration with the Elche City Council, is launching a preliminary architectural design competition for the construction of the Elche Conference Centre, a facility that will strengthen the city’s international presence as a cultural, tourist and business destination.

Elche, renowned for its Historic Palm Grove—declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000—is a city where tradition and modernity coexist. Its legacy, from the ancient Roman Ilici to its thriving creative industries (such as the footwear sector), is reflected in a unique urban landscape, where ancient palm groves coexist with constantly evolving contemporary architecture.

The site selected for the new Conference Centre is located next to the Palmeral, an area of ​​exceptional scenic and cultural value. This location demands sensitive architecture, capable of integrating into its surroundings without competing with them, taking advantage of its proximity to landmarks such as the MAHE (Archaeological and History Museum of Elche) and the Huerto del Cura Garden. The project must combine functionality, sustainability, and an aesthetic that speaks to the identity of Elche, where water, vegetation, and history have shaped the territory.

The competition is open to architects from around the world, with no restrictions or pre-registration requirements, ensuring maximum participation. Proposals must address challenges such as energy efficiency, landscape integration, and flexibility of use, aiming to create a quality facility that also manages to articulate the spaces that converge within it (Palmeral, University, and Altabix Neighborhood). With this project, Elche will not only gain a benchmark space for conferences and events, but also an architecture capable of reinforcing its image as an innovative city, without forgetting its roots.