The Metropolitan Council of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) approved a plan on Tuesday to build 600 public rental homes. These new residences will occupy land previously designated for public facilities in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, and Sant Adrià de Besòs. This initiative aims to address the region's pressing housing access challenges.
This plan previously passed the AMB's governing body in November. It now incorporates changes from public information reports and received allegations. Officials added a new economic evaluation section. They also expanded the mobility study and the social report. This report covers existing facilities and available reserves.
The AMB stated the homes will target specific communities. These include elderly people, young individuals, or particularly vulnerable groups. The exact beneficiaries are not yet confirmed. "The objective is to help ease current difficulties in accessing housing," the AMB explained. The planning allows for a potential buildable area of 43,834 square metres.
Strategic Locations for New Homes
The AMB emphasised the public land locations are highly accessible. They connect well to the public transport network. These sites integrate into the urban fabric. They also offer necessary services for new residents. The three municipalities involved are part of the broader Barcelona metropolitan area, home to over 3.3 million people. Sant Adrià de Besòs, for example, is a key municipality bordering Barcelona city.
"The plan's proposals aim to minimise land occupation," the metropolitan public administration described. They also seek to "establish flexible regulations that allow architectural projects to build efficient, sustainable buildings integrating with open spaces and urban areas." This approach prioritises environmental considerations and urban integration. The homes will be "dotacional," meaning they are public housing specifically for certain groups.
Catalonia's Broader Housing Strategy
This AMB planning forms part of a broader strategy by the Government of Catalonia. The Generalitat aims to build 50,000 public rental homes by 2030. This regional effort seeks to significantly increase the availability of affordable housing across Catalonia. The current housing market in Barcelona and its surrounding areas presents significant affordability issues for many residents.
The document will now go to the Government of Catalonia for final approval. This step is critical for the project's progression. Once approved, the construction of these 600 public rental homes can start. This will provide much-needed housing relief in the Barcelona metropolitan area, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.
