Barcelona's council approves an emergency plan for the Vila Olímpica

Barcelona's municipal council has approved a proposal from Junts to address the coexistence issues in the Vila Olímpica. The City Council acknowledges part of the diagnosis and claims to be close to a solution for the Centre de la Vila.

The proposal from Junts calls for the care and relocation of homeless individuals living in street-level settlements, cleaning and dignifying public spaces, and strengthening the presence of the Guardia Urbana. The text also includes the purchase of the Centre de la Vila to transform it into a commercial and social hub.

Jordi Martí Galbis, leader of Junts in Barcelona, has urged the implementation of this plan to halt the degradation of the neighbourhood. According to him, the area is experiencing a social emergency with unsustainable situations for residents.

The municipal government has acknowledged part of this diagnosis. The councillor for Sant Martí, David Escudé, admits that the promotion of local commerce has not been successful and recognises the issue of homelessness, although he calls for collaboration from other competent administrations.

“on the verge of finding a solution to redevelop the Centre de la Vila,” according to David Escudé

Escudé maintains that the closure of nightclubs and the realisation of the new Port Olímpic have improved coexistence in the neighbourhood. The final vote saw support from ERC and PP, abstention from BComú, and opposition from Vox.

For the residents of the Vila Olímpica, the change will impact cleanliness, street safety, and the use of the Centre de la Vila. The council has not yet specified the timeline or concrete measures of the plan.