An ambitious project to revitalise Baix Llobregat
The multinational Roca, known for its legacy in manufacturing bathroom equipment, is about to make a significant turn in its history in Baix Llobregat. With an investment of 250 million euros, a new neighbourhood is planned that will house 2,730 homes, 1,260 of which will be protected, in an initiative that aims not only to revitalise the area but also to integrate natural elements and improve mobility between Gavà and Viladecans.
The project includes the renaturalisation of two streams that have been buried for decades: the Sant Llorenç stream and the Torrent de Can Preses. This approach will not only allow for the recovery of green spaces but will also help manage water for uses such as irrigation, thus contributing to mitigating the heat island effect in the region.
“Water will be a central element in this new neighbourhood,” stated Miquel Àngel Munar, general director of Roca Group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The creation of a park of 7.36 hectares will be one of the focal points of the urban development.
An essential part of the project is the construction of a bridge that will facilitate pedestrian and cyclist transit over the train tracks. “This will significantly alleviate traffic during peak hours,” highlighted Olga Morales, mayor of Viladecans. This infrastructure will not only improve local mobility but also symbolises a new era for both cities.
Aside from the residential component, approximately 60% of the land will be allocated to economic activities. Roca plans to relocate its headquarters to this renewed area and introduce new technologies related to industrialised construction. Despite the change in economic activities, it is expected that current jobs will be maintained.
The project has already received the green light from the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) and was recently approved by the territorial urban planning commission of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Work is anticipated to begin within two years after completing the necessary final projects to initiate this urban transformation.
Damià Calvet, vice president of the AMB, described this development as a “new centrality” that responds to current housing and economic needs. Furthermore, both Gavà and Viladecans are preparing to welcome new public facilities related to training and economic activities generated by this ambitious plan.
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