Barcala later reflected on the decision with clear concern. The city council of Alicante recently approved an agreement that allows FBS to share the educational use of municipal land where the building stands with other public or private entities. The aim is to keep Fundesem alive by broadening the support ecosystem around the school and leveraging the land for broader community and educational purposes.
“The institution has long been a source of pride for Alicante, a prestigious and educational hub that thousands of people have passed through over the years. We explored every possible avenue to sustain it, and the chosen solution by the Generalitat places Fundesem in a notably complex situation”, stated the mayor.
Although Ivace recognizes the potential use of Alicante Town Hall space by public or private entities, it has expressed concerns. The agency argues that permitting shared use would conflict with the agreement that zones the land for public use and treats Fundesem as a private company. The position underscores a belief in public-private cooperation and the importance of maintaining fair competition between institutions, public or private, in the educational sector.
Barcala noted that the City Council had already taken the necessary steps to ensure the project’s continuity. The plan involved a collaborative use of the land that Ivace would need to approve, with the intention of attracting a new institution that could contribute financial support to the school. Yet, that path now seems unlikely. The mayor expressed regret over the shift and the possible consequences for Fundesem’s future.
Fundesem has proposed a training program designed to strengthen the region’s professional landscape. Such a program would bring advanced courses and master’s level options to Alicante and the surrounding province, particularly benefiting professionals and managers seeking specialist skills. The facility would become a focal point for ongoing education, helping to safeguard a wide range of workforce development opportunities in the area.
Alicante’s leadership has emphasized that the decision carries real implications. Ivace’s stance highlights the risk that Fundesem could lose footing in a competitive education market, a concern echoed by those who recognize the institution’s long-standing role in providing accessible, high-quality training to thousands of residents. The broader question remains how best to preserve the school’s mission while aligning with municipal and regional strategies for economic and social development.
In this moment, the city’s governing bodies are under pressure to assess all viable options. The goal is to guarantee the continuity of Fundesem’s educational offerings while ensuring that the land use arrangements support sustainable funding and expand opportunities for learners across Alicante and its province.