The Catalan government has officially classified the Media City project as a strategic initiative, ensuring it will receive necessary electrical capacity for future development.
The Catalan government’s recent declaration of the Media City project as a strategic initiative marks a significant milestone in the development of the Three Chimneys area in Sant Adrià de Besòs. This decision, approved by the Executive Council, aims to expedite the establishment of an audiovisual hub that promises to enhance economic activity and innovation in the region.
By recognizing this project as strategically important, the government is positioning it to receive priority access to electrical connections from the national grid. This is crucial for a complex designed to host high-energy-demand activities such as audiovisual production, digital technology, and business operations.
The Secretary General of the Presidency, Eva Giménez, emphasized that this initiative has reached an “important level of maturity” and is now ready for growth without energy limitations.
The new framework established by Royal Decree Law 7/2026 allows projects like Media City to bypass traditional waiting lists for electrical capacity. Previously, connections were granted on a first-come-first-served basis; however, under this new regulation, priority will be given to housing developments, public services, and strategic investment projects.
Dani Pérez, Coordinator of the Interdepartmental Commission for Energy Transition, explained that this shift ensures that if additional electrical power is needed in the future, Media City will be at the front of the line. The declaration strengthens their case when seeking recognition from state authorities since projects already deemed strategic by regional governments are favored under this new legal framework.
The Besòs Consortium plays a pivotal role in leading urban development in this sector. Its manager, Ferran Falcó, highlighted that completing urban planning processes remains their top priority before attracting businesses. Currently underway are public consultations regarding urbanization and land readjustment plans while work continues on rehabilitating turbine facilities.
Approximately 67,869 square meters will be designated for companies involved in audiovisual production, digital media, gaming industries, and immersive technologies. Falcó noted that having sufficient energy supply is critical for attracting investments: “Thirty years ago it was essential to have industrial land; today having energy is equally important.”
“We are ensuring that when projects arrive here we won’t have to turn them away due to lack of electrical capacity,” he added.
This proactive approach indicates that while there may not yet be specific companies expressing interest in establishing themselves at Media City—due largely to ongoing urbanization efforts—the groundwork being laid now will facilitate future investments once all necessary approvals are secured.
The designation also brings additional benefits such as improved coordination among administrative bodies and expedited processing times for permits and infrastructure-related procedures. The government plans to submit its request for state recognition once regulations governing this new legal status are finalized.
Catalonia Media City represents one of the Generalitat’s major initiatives aimed at transforming the Three Chimneys area into an international hub dedicated not only to audiovisual production but also digital innovation and higher education collaboration with nearby facilities like Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya and Diagonal-Besòs campus.
This ambitious vision underscores Catalonia’s commitment to becoming a leader in creative industries while ensuring sustainable energy solutions support its growth trajectory. As developments progress throughout 2026 and beyond—interested parties should keep an eye on announcements regarding land acquisition timelines and upcoming opportunities within this burgeoning sector.
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