Instituto Cervantes prepared to reopen Gibraltar branch after nearly 11 years

The Instituto Cervantes says it is ready to reopen its Gibraltar branch nearly eleven years after it closed.

Its director says funding has been included in the organisation's draft budget, although any reopening will still need the approval of the Spanish Government

Luis Garcia Montero says the Instituto's Gibraltar branch had played a very significant role in the past, as a cultural centre for dialogue in the Campo, and in reinforcing the teaching of Spanish.

In response to GBC questions, the Government says its position on the Instituto Cervantes remains the same as it was when the GSLP-Liberals were in Opposition, back in 2011 when the Gibraltar branch opened.

Number Six says, "The Instituto is welcome in Gibraltar, but the Government will NOT provide a public building for it."

It adds it understands the organisation has already started the process of negotiating with private landlords to seek premises.

The Government says, "The licensing requirements will depend on what the Instituto intends to do and what services it intends to provide", adding it does not have information on this yet.