The Community of Madrid has lifted the preliminary suspension on the building of the former Baobab restaurant, located on Cabestreros street in Lavapiés. Following a formal inquiry from the Madrid City Council, the regional Cultural Heritage body concluded that the property does not possess any cultural value warranting protection. The decision, dated May 22nd, clears the way for the council to proceed with the construction of the tourist hostel planned for the site.

Municipal sources from the Urban Planning, Environment, and Mobility department have emphasized that this resolution confirms the legality of the previously granted building permit. It was recalled that the building had been vandalized and closed for years, which, according to the City Council, justified its replacement with a new hospitality business.

The municipal Activities Agency had previously authorized the demolition and the establishment of the hostel. This file received a favorable opinion from the Commission for the Protection of Historical, Artistic, and Natural Heritage in May 2020, which identified no elements worthy of conservation.

The conflict escalated in January when the PSOE filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office to try and halt the demolition, arguing potential irreversible damage to heritage. Following this complaint, the City Council requested guidance from the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage regarding the validity of the license.

The municipal inquiry led to a preliminary suspension of works. With the current resolution, the Community of Madrid dismisses the existence of protectable elements and lifts this suspension, allowing the immediate reactivation of the hostel project on the former site of the Baobab restaurant.