Wang Jianlin, Chinese billionaire and chairman of Wanda Group, purchased a well-known architectural landmark in Madrid known as Edificio Espana in 2014, and is now taking heat from locals for his plans to demolish the building.
Wang and Wanda Group plan to demolish the 25-story building and reconstruct it. More than 70,000 in Madrid have petitioned the government, expressing their strong opposition to Wang’s plan.
Madrid local Jose Villalobos organized a large public protest against the demolition on September 9.
Villalobos stated that the Spanish building is an important part of the collective memory of the local people, and the whole of Spain.
Even if Wang Jianlin reconstructs the building to look the same after demolition, it will lose its historical value.
