The municipal government of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia (ERC, PSC-CP and Sant Sadurní en Comú) is determined to diversify the local economy beyond cava.
Currently there are about 80 wine cellars, which account for around 60% of the municipality's economic activity, according to mayor Pere Vernet. Freixenet and Codorníu are, respectively, the second and third companies by turnover volume in Alt Penedès. The economic impact figure is higher if the auxiliary companies are added. 45% of the local population (12,845 citizens registered) is dedicated to the sector.
The mayor affirms that “we are firm defenders of the wine sector, but we also want to open up to other activities.” They will seek to attract companies with high technological value to locate them in Can Ferrer 3, an industrial estate that is located at the entrance to Sant Sadurní on the Masquefa road. The agreement has already been signed with the Institut Català del Sòl to develop this industrial estate in five years. Vernet states that “we want to prevent this industrial estate from becoming a new logistics hub.” However, it has been definitively ruled out to turn Can Guineu into the great house of the institutions of the cava sector. It is an emblematic building classified as of local interest that is very degraded. The mayor assures that they will be faithful to the participatory process that was carried out in the last term to make it a “cultural reference.” They have already prepared the drafting of the special plan, although Pere Vernet acknowledges that “there are financing difficulties,” but he is not “very afraid” of debt. They are also working to create a cava tavern in the Cava Center of La Fassina, which they would like to see more visitors.
At the same time, the government chaired by Vernet has proposed to boost local commerce, given the significant number of stores that have closed, through a pool of empty stores that will be managed by the City Council. And it will offer entrepreneurs a municipal economic study to identify the services with the lowest supply.
The first consequence of the recent entry into the municipal government of the Socialists has been the approval of an initial budget of 17.2 million euros for this year, 5.6% more than in the previous year. Among the priorities of this mandate, the construction of the Ateneu outer court stands out, which represents an investment of 300,000 euros. Now they are looking for funds to cover it and a new agreement for the theater area. And they prioritize the renovation of the Casa dels Avis, an investment that amounts to 1.5 million euros, of which 20% has been executed. 2.3 million euros are also invested in the football field.
The mayor recognizes that for many years there has not been enough investment in the maintenance of sidewalks or in standardizing street furniture. In addition, they want to turn Can Mas de la Riera into the green lung of Sant Sadurní and create a healthy path that connects with Subirats.
