Decay Reported at Key Community Space
The PSC-Girona pel Canvi has demanded immediate intervention from the city government over the deteriorating condition of Plaça del Barco, commonly known as Plaça de Santa Eugènia, in the Santa Eugènia de Ter neighbourhood. The square is a vital gathering point for residents of all ages and hosts community activities, yet it now suffers from damaged paving and stairs, broken street furniture, neglected planters and green areas, and playground equipment in need of repair. Residents have also reported ongoing issues with cleanliness and general upkeep. The socialist municipal group attributes the decline to inadequate municipal management and warns that the current state reflects broader neglect of public spaces across the city.
“The Barco square is a living, valued and necessary space for the neighbourhood. Our criticism is very specific: the City Council must guarantee this space is properly maintained,”
said Josep Palouzié, spokesperson for PSC-Girona pel Canvi.
Funding Confirmed for Climate Shelter Upgrade
A future transformation of the square into a climate refuge is already planned under agreements between the Generalitat and Girona City Council as part of wider urban regeneration efforts in Santa Eugènia and Can Gibert. According to a regional government press release, €500,000 has been allocated specifically to upgrade Plaça del Barco as a climate shelter, increasing shade and vegetation to better serve users during extreme heat events under the Campus Salut development framework. Despite this long-term plan, the PSC insists maintenance cannot wait. They argue that preparing the square for future adaptation must not excuse current failures in basic upkeep.
Call for Immediate Repairs
The group demands that the city prioritise urgent actions including safety inspections and repairs to children’s play areas, restoration of damaged street furniture, care for planters and green zones, and implementation of consistent cleaning routines. They stress that while the planned redevelopment offers an opportunity to enhance the space, routine maintenance remains a present responsibility. The character of the square as a hub of community life must be preserved through active stewardship, they say. “Right now we’re talking about two separate things: transforming the square into a climate refuge, and maintaining it today. We cannot delay fixing what’s broken just because a future project is coming,” Palouzié added. The PSC urges the city government to act immediately to restore dignity and safety to one of Santa Eugènia’s most important public spaces.
Primary sources: govern.cat, punttic.gencat.cat, dtes.gencat.cat. Reported by gerio.cat, diaridegirona.cat, elpuntavui.cat, laciutat.cat, ivoox.com, GIRONA NOTÍCIES, emporda.info, GIRONANOTICIES.COM.
