The reform of La Rambla, which will conclude in February 2027, seeks a balance between tourism and local life. The plan includes improvements in local commerce and Catalan culture.
The iconic Rambla de Barcelona is preparing for a significant transformation that will finish in February 2027. This change, ratified during the I Fòrum de l’Observatori de La Rambla, aims to create a space where tourism harmoniously coexists with the daily life of residents and local commerce. Organised by Amics de La Rambla, this meeting brought together merchants, politicians, and cultural figures to discuss a more sustainable and attractive future for this iconic Barcelona promenade.
The president of the Boqueria market traders' association, Jordi Mas, presented an ambitious strategic plan covering the period from 2026 to 2029. This market, which attracts 25 million annual visitors and accounts for 25% of the total traffic on La Rambla, will undergo significant renovations. Improvements will include new restrooms, a renovated roof, and a dedicated fish area, as well as a central corridor designed to facilitate pedestrian flow. To address overcrowding, 80 sensors, funded by Next Generation funds, have been installed to monitor traffic in real-time.
Mas emphasised that “the Boqueria is more than a market,” highlighting its role as a symbol of Catalan culture. In this sense, he also stressed the urgent need to revitalise La Rambla to make it “a global reference” not only compared to other Barcelona streets but also to international avenues.
Another key aspect discussed was the reconfiguration of public space. The vice president of Amics de La Rambla, Juanón Gaspart, announced agreements with the City Council regarding the terraces along the promenade. These measures aim to balance the needs of the restaurant sector with new regulations prioritising pedestrian spaces. Gaspart urged restaurateurs to embrace the changes: “What’s coming will be fantastic.”
Additionally, there were proposals to enhance the commercial image through collaborations with local administrations to offer attractive souvenirs even for the locals. This initiative is part of the effort to transform La Rambla into a vibrant and welcoming place for both tourists and residents.
The forum also presented four major cultural projects aimed at further positioning La Rambla on the international map. Among them is the Liceu Mar project proposed by Salvador Alemany, president of the Gran Teatre del Liceu. This new complementary facility will occupy a port area and will feature over 9,000 square metres. This second venue is expected not only to expand cultural activities but also to break the elitist perception associated with theatre.
Meanwhile, cultural promoter José María Trénor shared updates on the recovery of the Nou Teatre Principal, with its reopening scheduled for September 2028 thanks to private funding.
In another creative area, Marisol López from the Department of Culture announced plans to convert the Foneria de Canons into a Digital Art Centre aimed at public exhibitions and youth artistic experimentation. This centre will open its doors in 2028 after four years dedicated to its development.
Councillor Xavier Marcè highlighted during his speech the crucial importance of the debate on the cultural future of the promenade: “Investing in culture is always essential.” He also reminded how La Rambla connects various important cultural assets such as Raval or Palau Güell.
The event took place at the Auditorio Residència d’Investigadors del CSIC and included key figures such as Albert Batlle and Ivan Pera among its attendees. Concluding with reflections on how to make these transformative plans a reality, it is clear that all involved parties are committed to revitalising one of the most emblematic spaces not only for Barcelona but also for all of Europe.
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