Sant Cugat del Vallès Mayor Josep Maria Vallès announced plans to allocate funds in the 2027 budget for a new Central Library, with the goal of completing the €14 million project by the next municipal term. The council is actively seeking additional funding for the large-scale development.
Vallès explained on Ràdio Sant Cugat's 'Faves Comptades' programme that while a historical unwritten agreement saw funding shared between the council, the Provincial Council, and the Catalan government, this model no longer seems to apply. He noted that modern libraries require substantial budgets. The 2027 budget will include a multi-year credit reserve, a necessary step for the works tender and the expropriation of houses in Ramon Barnils Park, at the corner of Rambla del Celler and Cèsar Martinell.
Discussions are already underway with property owners to reach agreements for the removal of these houses, ensuring a more welcoming environment for the library. The initial project approval included compensation for the house closest to the planned building. Vallès stressed that the new Central Library is appropriate for a city of nearly 100,000 inhabitants.
Expanding Cultural Capacity
The new library will relieve pressure on the Casa de Cultura and free up space in the current Gabriel Ferrater library for an exhibition hall. Vallès recalled that a previous left-wing tripartite government had shelved the project due to a political decision. The current Junts and ERC government later revived it, making modifications with Vol Studio architects.
These changes increased the project cost by €4 million from initial estimates, reaching €14 million. This figure caused concern among opposition parties, who argued the city had other priorities. However, the definitive project was approved a year ago with votes from the government, PSC, and ECP. CUP and Vox voted against it, while PP abstained.
Modern Design and Community Hub
The new building will replace the current Central Library, which was built three decades ago. It will be five times larger, covering 5,155 square metres, and will accommodate 700 people. The three-storey structure will feature a façade on Rambla del Celler.
This new facility will connect the Monastery area, the Casa de Cultura, and the Modernist Cellar with the Theatre-Auditorium and Conservatory. This cultural hub will offer reading and work areas, an auditorium for 200 people, and a cafeteria. The roof will be level with the park, creating a space for walking and relaxation, and affected trees will be transplanted.
In 2024, Sant Cugat's three municipal libraries served over 300,000 users. However, this number dropped to 272,000 in 2025 due to the Central Library's five-month closure following a partial ceiling collapse. The children's room at the Volpelleres library also recently reopened after a four-month closure caused by water leaks. The council has carried out several interventions to fix these issues.
