Locals in the centre of Sevilla are fuming following the loss of yet another iconic business to tourist apartments.
The Estudio Enrique photography studio had been serving generations of Sevillanos for 67 years before it officially closed on January 7.
The building, on Calle Rioja, is being converted into 10 tourist flats and a commercial unit after the owners sold it to a development company last year.
The photography studio has relocated to Tomares, on the outskirts of the city.
Carlos Sanchez, owner of Estudio Enrique, told El Correo de Andalucia that the decision was collective and not the result of eviction.
‘No one forced us out,’ he explained, however he said that maintaining a traditional business in the historic centre had become financially unviable.
Rising rents and operating costs, he said, made it impossible to continue in the city centre.
‘In Sevilla it’s very difficult to find something affordable. A business like ours cannot survive paying excessive rents. Prices in the centre are sky-high,’ Sanchez said.
While Sevilla has restricted new licences for tourist-use housing in the historic centre, there is no limit on tourist apartment developments, which continue to proliferate in areas such as Calle Rioja.
It’s a legal loophole that has seen several similar projects open along the same street in recent years.
Although the relocation of Estudio Enrique was not directly caused by the new apartment project, Sanchez says he has witnessed a steady transformation of the surrounding area.
‘Many of our neighbours, who were also lifelong clients, have been forced to leave their rented homes, which have been converted into tourist apartments,’ he said.
‘If the law allows it, then it’s legal – but the centre has become increasingly difficult for residents.’
He added that access issues, tourism pressure and the loss of everyday services have changed how people experience the historic heart of the city.
‘Our clients often tell us that the centre is turning into a theme park,’ Sanchez said.
In a message shared on social media, the studio thanked customers for decades of loyalty.
‘Photography has been our hallmark since we first turned on the lights 66 years ago,’ the statement read. ‘With nostalgia but also excitement, we close this chapter to begin a new one.’
Locals commenting on the studio’s latest post vented their frustration at the changing nature of Sevilla centre.
‘What a shame what’s happening to the centre of Sevilla,’ wrote one.
Another said: ‘It’s a shame how the city centre has deteriorated since these people arrived. We can’t enjoy our city anymore, all because of the corrupt officials.
‘What are those who studied for a degree doing? Are they leaving Sevilla, Andalucia, or even their own country?’
Taking a shot at the ruling Partido Popular (PP) in Andalucia, another fumed: ‘Because, as always with the PP, everything is for sale.’
