The Badalona City Council has approved a significant expansion plan for the Can Ruti hospital campus, aiming to establish a leading European health hub. This project is expected to reshape the city's healthcare landscape over the next decade.
The Badalona City Council has taken a pivotal step towards transforming its healthcare infrastructure by approving an initial modification of the General Metropolitan Plan (PGM) on June 29, 2026. This decision allows for the expansion of the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, commonly known as Can Ruti, which is set to cover an additional 7.7 hectares and create new green spaces totaling 13.6 hectares. The ambitious initiative received support from major political parties including the PP, PSC, and ERC, while Badalona en Comú Podem abstained and Guanyem opposed it.
Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol emphasized that this project represents one of the most significant transformations in Badalona since the approval of the Port Plan in 2003. He stated that this expansion will not only enhance healthcare services but also elevate Badalona’s status in terms of knowledge and innovation. “Today we give the green light to what will likely be the largest transformation in our city,” he remarked during the council meeting.
The proposed development aims to concentrate growth within existing structures at Can Ruti while preserving natural resources such as streams and forests. The first phase involves reorganizing campus facilities to improve hospitalization capacity, operating rooms, laboratories, and educational resources. Additionally, plans include increasing parking availability—an ongoing issue for many years.
The project also envisions creating a new park named Torrent de la Carbassa alongside two economic activity zones on newly developed land. Furthermore, it aims to protect local heritage sites while eliminating outdated roadways that were never constructed.
One of the key components of this initiative is establishing a medical cluster or innovation district similar to those seen in L’Hospitalet and Esplugues de Llobregat. This area will focus on biomedicine and health sciences with dedicated spaces for research and education encompassing 39,600 m². The municipal government identified a critical need for more biomedical companies in proximity to Can Ruti.
The surrounding neighborhoods are also set for substantial urban renewal under this plan. Areas like Vall de Pomar and Turó d’en Boscà will see improved access routes along with new housing developments funded by an investment of 5 million euros. These changes are expected to significantly enhance local infrastructure.
The timeline for this expansive project indicates that after receiving final approval within nine to twelve months following public exposure periods for objections, construction could begin by autumn 2027. However, residents may have to wait up to ten years before witnessing full realization of these enhancements.
This extensive overhaul not only promises better healthcare services but also positions Badalona as a competitive player in Europe’s biomedical sector—a move that could attract talent and investment into the region.
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