The Catalan government has finalized a deal to acquire the Tres Xemeneies site for €42.7 million, paving the way for a major audiovisual hub. This project aims to transform the area into a vibrant community with housing and business opportunities.
The Generalitat de Catalunya is set to take ownership of the historic Tres Xemeneies site, an iconic landmark in Besòs, as part of a transformative urban development plan. The acquisition, valued at €42.7 million, will enable the government to establish a new audiovisual hub at the border between Sant Adrià and Badalona.
This significant investment comes from a subsidy provided by the Spanish government, which has been allocated to the Consorcio del Besòs. The deal was confirmed through a purchase commitment that ensures the Area Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB) will receive these funds in exchange for transferring ownership of this key property.
The Tres Xemeneies site includes two towering chimneys standing at 200 meters tall and an operational electrical substation. Plans indicate that approximately 67,869 square meters will be developed into spaces for companies within this new hub aimed at fostering growth in the audiovisual sector.
The Front Marítim del Besòs organization has agreed to relinquish its claims on these properties without seeking compensation, facilitating this ambitious project. In return, they will gain rights over land designated for constructing 1,069 residential units.
This redevelopment initiative is not just about creating office spaces; it envisions a comprehensive neighborhood featuring 1,783 homes, hotels, and facilities that cater to businesses and educational institutions in digital media and gaming.
The AMB’s recent ratification of this private sale contract marks a crucial step forward in realizing these plans. Initial approvals were granted earlier this year, with expectations that formal operations could commence by late October.
The financial implications are significant: while the AMB stands to gain €42.7 million from this transaction, it also faces urban transformation costs estimated at €99.3 million. These expenses include developing new streets and parks essential for making the area livable and attractive.
The Generalitat’s confidence in revitalizing one of Barcelona’s last underdeveloped coastal areas hinges on effective collaboration with the Consorcio del Besòs. Future plans include constructing an elevated walkway connecting both towers at a height of 36.5 meters, intended for economic activities yet to be defined.
A portion of 46,134 square meters is earmarked for office space on land currently occupied by the substation, which is expected to relocate approximately 200 meters away by 2030 as part of ongoing urban planning efforts.
The Generalitat previously acquired another section of this site—the turbine hall—at no cost back in 2023 with plans for its rehabilitation.
This week marks an important moment as Barcelona hosts its World Architecture Congress within that very turbine hall—a testament to its potential future role as a cultural hub.
While all parties involved are optimistic about moving forward with these developments, finalizing the purchase remains contingent upon meeting various legal and administrative requirements outlined in their agreement. The AMB emphasizes that securing legal clarity is vital as preparations continue toward initiating construction work projected to begin in 2027.
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