The City Council of Barcelona has given the green light to the first phase of the project to convert Pavilion 2 of Fira de Montjuïc into a new Municipal Sports Centre in the Poble-sec neighbourhood. This facility, which responds to a historic demand from residents, aims to provide suitable spaces for sports practice and strengthen the community fabric in the Sants-Montjuïc district.
Project details and its impact
The intervention will focus on adapting the interior of the pavilion, allowing for the installation of two multi-sport courts that will meet the standards set by the Catalan Sports Council. With an approximate budget of 3 million euros, construction is expected to begin in September 2026 and be completed in spring 2027.
Raquel Gil, the district councillor, highlighted that this initiative will not only expand local sports offerings but also support the sports entities that are fundamental to the community. “We are making a long-standing community demand a reality,” said Gil. “This project is essential for building a more cohesive Poble-sec with more opportunities.”
The new facilities will allow for sports such as basketball, futsal, volleyball, and handball. Each court will be equipped with the necessary materials and will feature official markings. Additionally, complementary spaces such as lobbies, storage areas, and sanitary facilities will be constructed.
The new sports centre will not only benefit local clubs currently using the Pavilion d’Itàlia —which will be demolished— but will also contribute to revitalising a historic area built in 1929 during the Universal Exposition. This space has had various uses over the years and will now be transformed to meet the current needs of the neighbourhood.
Aside from the sports centre, this project is part of a broader urban plan aimed at regenerating the surrounding area. It is expected to create 500 affordable homes, along with a new network of public facilities and more green spaces. The idea is to integrate these new developments with existing ones to improve mobility and quality of life in Montjuïc.
“This process aims to make the area a new metropolitan centrality,” commented a municipal spokesperson regarding future plans.
As this ambitious project progresses, it is expected to not only improve the available sports facilities but also foster a renewed sense of community among Poble-sec residents. The construction is designed to be sustainable by reutilising existing structures and adapting them for new uses.
Through these initiatives, Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to local sports while working towards a more inclusive and accessible city. Construction will begin soon and will mark an important milestone in the recent history of the district.
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