Police cleared homeless occupants from the disused Simon factory on Carrer Barcelona in Girona on Thursday morning. The site, which has housed a number of people without shelter, is due to be redeveloped into the new Comtessa Ermessenda secondary school.

The City Council of Girona had previously given notice for voluntary departure after the deadline passed at the end of May, following publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE). When occupants did not leave, the council sought judicial authorisation to proceed with eviction. Authorities began sealing the building on the same day as the clearance operation.

Unclear number of displaced

The exact number of people removed remains unknown. The Housing Union of Girona reported contact with around fifteen individuals, though they believe there were many more. Some had already left before police arrived.

In March 2026, the council identified 25 homeless people during an official count, although it acknowledged not all could be notified. At that time, affected individuals were given ten working days to vacate after formal notification or publication in the Official Provincial Bulletin of Girona.

Path to redevelopment

The clearance marks a key step toward transforming the former industrial site into a public education facility. The regional government (Generalitat) awarded the construction contract earlier this year, confirming the project’s progression.

The approval is much more than just a file, it’s a commitment to urban regeneration and public safety, said councillor M. Àngels Planas in March.

Local residents have previously raised concerns over safety, citing fires and thefts linked to unauthorised occupation. In one incident in March 2026, two fires within hours forced the evacuation of about twenty people.

The council also carried out cleaning operations around the perimeter in May to address waste and security issues ahead of full redevelopment.

Primary sources: eb.girona.cat, govern.cat. Reported by Josep Coll, J. Ferrer, ACN, Xavier Pi, Redacció, Eva Batlle, Redacción, Diari de Girona.