Barcelona City Council has approved a €50 million transformation plan for La Marina, a key expansion area in the Sants-Montjuïc district. The initiative, presented on 14 May by Mayor Jaume Collboni and local councillor Raquel Gil, aims to accommodate approximately 30,000 new residents by 2035 through the construction of 12,000 homes, half of which will be publicly protected.
Mayor Collboni stated that the plan goes beyond reversing existing inequalities, focusing instead on preventing them as the area grows. This large volume of public housing is intended to ensure Barcelona residents can afford to stay in the city. The council is using a special 'Pla de Barris' (Neighbourhood Plan) with €9 million directly from the total budget to address potential issues before they arise.
The plan seeks to ensure essential services, such as the La Marina health centre (CAP), expand at the same rate as the population. This will help connect and integrate the area, according to officials.
Major Urban Renewal for Zona Franca
A central part of this urban transformation is the full renovation of the Passeig de la Zona Franca. Collboni confirmed that the executive project will be ready by 2028, with construction expected to start in the next municipal term. The design will draw inspiration from the 'pacification' of Avinguda Meridiana, featuring a large central green space with cycle lanes. Public transport and private vehicles will use side lanes.
This redesign will create more space for pedestrians by widening pavements and adding new squares. The goal is to overcome the historical division caused by this main road. Immediate mobility improvements are also underway, including the recent extension of the V5 bus line and a new route to the city centre starting later this year.
Forty-Three Actions for Development
The municipal plan includes 43 specific actions already in motion, designed to kickstart La Marina's development as an economic hub, as described by Collboni. Short-term urban and environmental projects include building a new municipal nursery in the public housing development of Illa Acer and fully remodelling the historic Iberia football pitch.
The strategy also strongly supports socio-educational initiatives and post-compulsory training to keep young talent in the neighbourhood. Key measures include moving the Barcelona Institute of Graphic Arts Design to the area and converting the current Enric Granados school into an institute-school.
Economically, the plan aims to protect local businesses and create quality jobs. Raquel Gil highlighted the need to activate the many publicly owned ground-floor premises in the area to bring them to life. To support this, the council will introduce a business development expert to study the environment and advise on the most needed businesses and services for new residents.
