Badalona City Council has approved an initial budget modification of €568,609.01 to create a new 24-hour public study room in the Coll i Pujol neighbourhood. The decision came during an extraordinary plenary session on Friday, 27 March 2026, held at the Sala de Plens in the Casa de la Vila. This significant investment aims to provide accessible and flexible study facilities for local residents.

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The funding will convert a currently vacant 400 square metre commercial unit at Plaça Júlia Minguell 1 into an accessible study space. This unit offers 371 square metres of usable area. The Ajuntament of Badalona promotes the adaptation of this ground-floor commercial premises. It will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving students and the wider community.

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Enhancing Public Study Facilities

The project seeks to establish a comfortable and flexible study environment. It will meet the needs of students and citizens at any time of day or night. The building itself was constructed in 2021 and currently stands empty. Its transformation requires a complete internal redistribution.

Plans include generating a large open-plan work area. Additionally, a multi-purpose room will provide versatile space for various activities. A relaxation zone will feature vending machines for refreshments. Essential services, such as toilets, cleaning facilities, and technical equipment rooms, are also part of the design.

Accessibility improvements form a key component of the renovation. A 23-centimetre technical floor will eliminate internal level differences. This design also allows for future flexibility in installing services and utilities. New access and emergency doors will enhance safety. Glazed openings will increase the amount of natural light within the facility. All municipal groups voted in favour of this proposal, demonstrating broad political consensus.

Supporting Vulnerable Women in Besòs

Additionally, the Council unanimously approved a collaboration agreement for Project VESTA. This pilot initiative provides comprehensive support to homeless women with dependent children in the Besòs area. The project addresses the critical issue of homelessness by focusing on two fundamental pillars.

Firstly, Project VESTA treats housing as a fundamental right, offering residential solutions to participants. Secondly, it provides integral support, centring on the needs and life stages of the individuals served. This approach aims to accompany them towards recovering their own life projects.

The collaboration agreement involves several key partners across the Besòs region. These include the Ajuntaments of Sant Adrià del Besòs, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Montcada i Reixac. The Consorci Besòs also participates, alongside social and charitable organisations. These include Càritas Diocesana de Barcelona, Sant Joan de Déu-Serveis socials Barcelona, Fundació Mambré, and Fundació Formació i Treball.

Badalona’s Financial Commitment

Badalona’s financial contribution to Project VESTA totals €45,444 in 2026. The city will contribute €62,808 in 2027. Further contributions include €59,649 in 2028 and €12,507 in 2029. This significant multi-year commitment underscores Badalona’s dedication to social welfare. This agreement also received unanimous approval from all municipal groups, highlighting its importance.

These initiatives underscore Badalona’s commitment to enhancing public services and addressing social needs within its community. The new 24-hour study room will provide vital educational resources for students and residents in Coll i Pujol. Meanwhile, Project VESTA offers crucial, long-term support to vulnerable families in the broader Besòs area.

Originally published by Badalona. Read original article.