Lleida's city council will process the initial approval of its new Urban Planning Master Plan (POUM) on Thursday, 30 April, with broad support from political parties. The plan proposes a maximum of 34,185 new homes over the next 25 years, with 1,243 of these located in the station district.
The POUM also forecasts the development of 6 million square metres of industrial land, expected to create 11,257 jobs. The plan outlines a growth scenario where Lleida's population could reach a maximum of 212,398 residents. It also includes projects such as relocating the Fira trade fair, restoring the Teatre Principal, creating a new access to Turó de Gardeny, expanding the Eix Comercial, and transforming the Ll-11 road into an avenue similar to Barcelona's Diagonal.
The municipal government, led by the PSC, secured support from the PP and Junts parties for the initial approval. This means 19 of the 27 councillors are expected to vote in favour. After this step, the document will be open for public review for 45 days, during which objections can be submitted.
Next Steps for the POUM
Mayor Fèlix Larrosa stated that the city council plans to complete the provisional approval of the document by the end of this year. This is the final step for the council before the Generalitat of Catalonia gives its definitive endorsement. Larrosa described the POUM as "the most important document a municipal government can create, and it is a result of consensus."
Begoña Iglesias, Deputy Mayor for City Management, joined Larrosa in detailing the plan's actions across different neighbourhoods. For the station district, 46% of the 1,243 planned homes near the train and bus terminal and across the Pardinyes tracks will be affordable. The plan also includes new footbridges connecting Pardinyes with the city centre and a northern entrance to the station via Roger de Llúria street. Three new buildings, totalling 50,000 square metres, are earmarked for commercial use, alongside an administrative building for the Generalitat.
City-wide Improvements and Green Spaces
Other initiatives in the POUM include relocating the Ciutat Jardí prison, improving connections between La Bordeta and the city centre, expanding the Camps Elisis, and adding new train stops at Onze de Setembre and Raimat. A new footbridge will link La Llotja with the new fairgrounds at Hípica, alongside new facilities for the Cappont institute and CAP health centre. The plan also aims to defend and promote agricultural and livestock activity in L'Horta and establish a sports city in Mangraners.
Iglesias added that the plan will create 515.7 hectares of green zones and 251.8 hectares for public facilities. "The city of tomorrow is already here," Larrosa concluded.
New Parking and Environmental Measures
The new plan also proposes seven park-and-ride facilities on the city's outskirts, connected to the centre by public transport. These will be located at the future Mangraners sports city, in the Horta de la Creu del Batlle area, on the Artesa de Lleida road in La Bordeta, next to the Montserrat church, on Avinguda Pinyana, near Xavier Puig i Andreu street in Pardinyes, and on Avinguda Alcalde Porqueres. These parking facilities are part of the 'Aparca' plan, which the municipal government will soon present to propose "ordered and sustainable mobility" for the city's future growth.
Another project within the POUM is the creation of a green belt that will encircle all neighbourhoods, completing the urban fabric. A new environmental ordinance will also be established, setting standards for "land permeability, vegetation, and biodiversity in new constructions and sectors."
Both the PP and Junts parties expressed satisfaction with the document. Xavi Palau, leader of the opposition and the Popular Party group, welcomed the government's adoption of their "big city project for Turó de Gardeny, which will transform the area." Junts spokesperson Violant Cervera noted their satisfaction that "all our proposals have been taken into account, such as recognising the uniqueness of L'Horta."
