The ground floor of Barcelona's Casa Heribert Pons, a modernist building on Rambla de Catalunya, remains empty 18 months after a 24-hour supermarket operating there was sealed off by authorities. The establishment, which opened in summer 2024, faced immediate criticism and administrative action from the city council.
This space, a listed Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL), previously served as the central delegation for the Department of Economy until 2013. The supermarket's opening sparked controversy on social media, with many questioning the suitability of such a business in a protected heritage site.
Barcelona City Council launched two administrative investigations against the supermarket. These were for carrying out works without the necessary permits and for operating without an activity licence. As a BCIL property, any alterations require an explicit licence, not just a notification. Additionally, the new business needed to formally request a change to its activity licence, as the premises previously held a different type of permit.
Council Action and Closure
The council issued a cessation order for the business in early October, with a compliance deadline in November. However, the closure was accelerated to late October after a municipal inspection found serious infringements. These included non-compliance with fire protection regulations and safety signalling systems.
Today, the space that housed the supermarket is completely empty, according to TOT Barcelona. There are no shelves or any elements left from the business. The walls are painted white, and dust and leaves have accumulated on the floor, with only a perforated metal shutter separating the interior from the street. The seals placed by the city council during the temporary closure are still partially visible on this shutter.
Building History and Significance
Casa Heribert Pons was built in 1909, commissioned by Manresa businessman Heribert Pons Arola and designed by architect Alexandre Soler i March. Originally a residential building, it was converted into offices in the 1930s. It retains its magnificent lobby and modernist facade, which is decorated with sculptures by Eusebi Arnau.
Moving forward, the future use of the ground floor remains uncertain. The city council has not yet announced any plans for the vacant premises, leaving a prominent space in a protected building on a major Barcelona thoroughfare without activity.
