Green light for cultural facility
The Sant Cugat municipal council has approved initial changes to the Metropolitan General Plan (PGM) to enable construction of a new sociocultural facility on a 2,000m² site at Carrer Andana, behind the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat station. The vote, held on Friday 25 September 2026, passed with support from the governing coalition of Junts and ERC, as well as the PP, while Vox abstained. PSC, CUP and En Comú Podem voted against. The site currently hosts urban and social gardens and was previously designated for 22 protected affordable homes under the Municipal Affordable Housing Plan. However, the council’s decision formally removes that housing allocation, redirecting the land for public use.
“The important thing is that any urban development contributes to building city life.”
, Àngel Pedrós, Councillor for Urbanism
Art centre planned, but use not exclusive
While the project is intended to house the future Centre de Creació d’Art Contemporani, replacing the former Centre d’Art Maristany, which closed in 2024 for financial reasons, the urban planning designation allows for broader use. The site will be classified as a community facility, permitting sociocultural, educational or administrative functions. The approved plan permits a building of up to 900m², with a maximum of ground floor plus two storeys and the possibility of an underground level. The structure will be centred on the plot to minimise impact on surrounding homes.
Opposition criticises housing loss
PSC, CUP and En Comú Podem voiced strong criticism over the loss of 22 protected homes, calling the move irresponsible amid a housing emergency. CUP spokesperson Ariadna Sierra described it as an 'effective renunciation' of public housing in a central location. PSC councillor Jose Gallardo stressed his group was not opposed to cultural infrastructure but argued it should not come at the expense of housing needs. Francesc Duch, ERC councillor for Housing, defended the decision, stating that housing targets could be met elsewhere. He cited an expansion at Carrer Puig de Remila, from 40 to 69 units, as evidence that the overall target could still be exceeded, despite acknowledging delays in delivering the original 350-home commitment.
Public consultation and shadow study
A community of residents from Passatge del Carme had requested the building be shifted to reduce shading on nearby homes. The council rejected the proposal but commissioned a shadow study based on the maximum possible volume. It concluded that sunlight loss for adjacent properties would not be disproportionate. The modified PGM will now enter a one-month public information period, as required by law, during which residents can submit formal comments via the Decidim Sant Cugat platform. Final approval rests with the Territorial Urban Planning Commission of Barcelona.
Next steps
Once planning is finalised, the council will develop an architectural project and launch a public tender for construction. No timeline for completion has been announced.
Primary sources: premsa.santcugat.cat, decidim.santcugat.cat, santcugat.cat, cugat.cat. Reported by totsantcugat.cat, elcugatenc.cat, cupsantcugat.cat, naciodigital.cat, TOT Sant Cugat.
