Barcelona City Council has unveiled plans to connect the Raval neighbourhood with the sea via a new urban axis, running parallel to La Rambla. This initiative is a key part of a wider strategy to revitalise the Ciutat Vella district by 2035.
The proposed axis would stretch from Plaça de la Universitat to the Columbus Monument, incorporating Rambla del Raval and Avinguda de les Drassanes. Ivan Pera, the commissioner for the Ciutat Vella Pact, stated that this connection would help "re-stitch" the district and "recover" the Drassanes area. He added that it could create "a space of quality, normality, and life," noting that the area currently feels like "the Raval's backyard."
This urban strategy includes around 50 actions designed to improve public spaces and bring a sense of normality back to Ciutat Vella. The plan focuses on existing natural axes within the district, such as Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Via Laietana, and La Rambla, aiming to transform them into "backbones" for integrated action. The goal is to better connect Ciutat Vella with itself, the sea, and the rest of the city.
Enhancing Public Spaces and Social Cohesion
Within these key areas, the council plans to use existing facilities to encourage social cohesion. Other improvements include renovating street furniture, adding more shade and greenery, improving the connection between ground floors and the street, and launching social revitalisation programmes.
The strategy also covers reforms for specific locations, including Carrer de Pepe Rubianes, the old hospital, Plaça de la Gardunya, Plaça dels Àngels, and Can 60. Can 60 is intended to become a social and community hub for the neighbourhood. Additionally, there are plans to improve sports facilities in Raval Sud, with one example being the future conversion of the Drassanes sports court into a multi-purpose sports centre.
Urban Planning Changes Needed
To implement some of these planned actions for Ciutat Vella, changes to current urban planning regulations will be necessary. Pera explained that the existing planning is "exhausted" in many cases and needs modification "to open the way for new opportunities that can be basic for the development of Ciutat Vella."
Housing is another area of focus within this urban strategy. While new housing requires planning changes, the council prefers to rehabilitate the existing housing stock, which is particularly old in this district.
Looking ahead, the success of these plans will depend on the city council's ability to secure the necessary planning amendments and funding. The 2035 deadline provides a long-term vision for a revitalised Ciutat Vella, aiming to create a more integrated and liveable urban environment for residents and visitors alike.
