Local authorities and resident groups have formally agreed a comprehensive 28-point action plan to revitalise the Baix Besòs area. This significant accord, reached on Wednesday at the Consorci del Besòs headquarters in Sant Adrià, aims to transform the historically neglected metropolitan zone.
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The agreement follows years of advocacy by the Coordinadora Veïnal del Baix Besòs (CVBB), a platform representing residents from Barcelona, Montcada i Reixac, Badalona, Santa Coloma, and Sant Adrià. The CVBB has consistently urged political leaders, via the Consorci del Besòs, to address the area’s challenges. They have often described the region as “the capital’s backyard”.
After a period of “total paralysis regarding various commitments” in 2023 and 2024, according to the CVBB, this new dynamic marks a significant shift. Sílvia Paneque, the Consellera de Territori and President of the Consorci del Besòs, summarised the outcome. She stated, “From now on, there is a concrete action plan to account for residents.”
Key Commitments for Baix Besòs
The ‘El Besòs ens Uneix’ working commission, comprising both the resident movement and the Consorci, presented a declaration outlining the agreement. This document details 28 consensus points across housing, vulnerability, infrastructure, productive sectors, and the environment. The meeting included Consellera Paneque, Santa Coloma de Gramenet Mayor Mireia González, Sant Adrià de Besòs Mayor Filo Cañete, Montcada i Reixac Mayor Bartolomé Egea, Barcelona Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet, and Badalona Public Works Councillor David Mejía.
The plan includes commitments ranging from broad objectives, such as “the execution of five high-impact transformation projects” by 2037, to specific initiatives. These include establishing the Baix Besòs Vocational Training Council. Key proposals also involve regenerating the Baix Besòs industrial estates. These areas currently host large warehouses; the plan seeks to add productive value.
Infrastructure and Housing Improvements
Additionally, the agreement mandates a comprehensive Accessibility Plan for the zone. It also calls for a study into extending the T4 tram line to Badalona’s Renfe station. Another significant point involves studying a potential relocation of the Rodalies R1 line. This would affect its passage through Badalona and Sant Adrià de Besòs.
Consellera Paneque affirmed the commitment of the Territori department and the various municipal councils. She stated, “Fundamentally, the 28 points have the commitment of the Territori department and the different institutions and councils that they can indeed be assumed.” Paneque highlighted an agreement to “jointly seek formulas to rehabilitate housing in the Baix Besòs”. The declaration text notes, “The housing stock in the Baix Besòs area is very old and requires rehabilitation.”
Pepe Sánchez, President of the CVBB, emphasised the need for these measures to reach specific neighbourhoods. He cited Trinitat, Serra d’en Mena in Badalona, Sant Joan in Montcada, and La Mina. Sánchez stated, “All these neighbourhoods require comprehensive housing rehabilitation.”
Future Development and Community Demands
Paneque also indicated the department’s willingness to increase population density in the future Tres Xemeneies del Besòs area. This site plans for over 1,700 new homes. The Consellera noted this proposal “aligns with what President Illa expressed”. She positively assessed that it does not require urban planning changes. Sánchez explained the request for increased density in the future neighbourhood. He said, “The law allows it and because one or two-bedroom flats are being planned.”
Just one month ago, the CVBB held a press conference demanding “investment and respect” from administrations. They presented a series of long-standing demands to the five area mayors. At that time, they declared, “This 2026 is the key year to move from institutional promises to the execution of vital projects for the five municipalities of Baix Besòs.”
The agreement reached on Wednesday demonstrates strong collaboration between the five municipal councils, organised within the Consorci del Besòs, and the Territori department. It sets the stage for implementing the agreed measures. Paneque described it as “agreement 29, or 28+1, to transfer this work plan into an action plan with a calendar and concrete commitments”. Pepe Sánchez offered a more direct interpretation. He stated, “Agreement 29 means we will move from paperwork to budget.” The Consorci del Besòs general council will hold its next meeting in May. This meeting will facilitate the final approval of the action plan.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
