Barcelona City Council has outlined a ten-year urban strategy to transform the Ciutat Vella district. A central part of this plan is a new pedestrian and civic route, linking Plaça Universitat with the Columbus monument. This path will go through Joaquim Costa street, Rambla del Raval, and Avinguda de les Drassanes.
Officials said the intervention seeks to create an alternative to La Rambla, better integrating the Raval neighbourhood with the coastline. The goal is to revitalise areas currently seen as secondary spaces, turning them into community hubs with improved urban quality and daily life for residents.
Connecting Mountain and Sea
The 'Raval-Universitat-Mar Axis' is a key element in connecting the city's mountain areas with the sea. This route will not only improve mobility but also integrate a dense network of cultural, educational, and social facilities, alongside public spaces already heavily used by locals.
The council's urban strategy builds on existing natural axes such as Via Laietana, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, and La Rambla, treating them as main arteries. These routes will see full upgrades, including new street furniture, more shaded areas and greenery, and better integration between ground-floor buildings and public spaces.
Specific projects within this package include converting the current Drassanes sports pitch into a covered multi-sports centre, renovating Pepe Rubianes street, and working on Can 60. Can 60 is planned to become a key social and community facility for the neighbourhood.
Urban Planning Changes and Housing
To carry out these changes, the City Council recognises the need to modify current urban planning regulations. These regulations are considered outdated in several parts of the district. Updating these rules is critical to unlock new development opportunities, especially concerning housing.
While the plan includes creating new flats through planning changes, the council's priority will be rehabilitating existing housing stock, which is significantly aged. The ultimate aim of the 'Pact for Ciutat Vella', which includes around fifty actions, is to restore normality to the district and ensure public spaces regain their central role for residents.
