The Barcelona City Council, in collaboration with the Free Zone Consortium, has reactivated the urban project known as Ona de Glòries, which will include 120 social rental homes and various community facilities. This development is located on a strategic site at the foot of the iconic tower designed by Jean Nouvel, marking a significant step towards revitalising the area.
Mayor Jaume Collboni announced this Friday that the plan includes a total investment of 90 million euros, funded by the public company. Although the municipal budget exceeds 4 billion euros annually, Collboni acknowledged that this amount poses a challenge for the local government's finances. In this regard, Pere Navarro, the State Delegate in the Consortium, highlighted the importance of the agreement reached to secure the necessary funds.
New facilities for the community
In addition to the housing, the project includes important facilities aimed at improving the quality of life in the neighbourhood. The construction of a library, a sports centre, and an auditorium is planned, elements that respond to the needs expressed by residents of Camp de l’Arpa del Clot. In total, 35,000 square metres will be allocated to the development: 10,000 m² for public housing, 20,000 m² for administrative uses, and 5,000 m² for community services.
It is worth mentioning that this new approach seeks to concentrate municipal administrative offices in one location to optimise resources and reduce costs associated with renting external properties. This model has already been implemented in other areas such as Ciutat Vella.
Despite the financial challenges, Collboni expressed optimism regarding the timelines set to begin construction. The final drafting of the project is expected to start in early 2027, just before the municipal elections scheduled for that year. Construction could begin between late 2028 and early 2029, always prioritising the development of social housing.
Quoting Collboni: “There are no preconceived ideas about the design” of the housing complex.
As this ambitious urban plan progresses, announcements have also been made about other complementary projects in the area. The mayor revealed that an agreement has been reached with the regional government to promote a residence for the elderly in a location near Glòries and Meridiana. The recent approval of the budget by the Catalan government will allow funds to be transferred to the City Council to carry out this essential work.
Over the years, more than 640 million euros have been invested in transforming this metropolitan area according to the original plans designed by Ildefons Cerdà. The chief architect of the City Council, Maria Buhigas, described these efforts as a new page turned in the long-hidden urban book.
As Barcelona continues its path towards greater sustainability and social inclusion through projects like Ona de Glòries, it is clear that these initiatives aim not only to modernise urban spaces but also to address the real and urgent needs of its citizens.
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