Barcelona City Council has marked a significant milestone, delivering the 2,000th public housing key of the current mandate, as Mayor Jaume Collboni handed over 27 new homes at the Illa Glòries development in the Eixample district this Tuesday morning. This project represents the city's largest public housing initiative, providing long-term affordable accommodation to residents.
Milestone in Public Housing Delivery
The handover of these 27 units from Block C brought the total number of keys distributed during the current mandate to 2,025. The city aims to exceed 3,000 key deliveries by the end of this period. Mayor Collboni congratulated the new residents, encouraging them "to start a life project and create community in an area of Barcelona that has undergone a profound transformation and represents a new centrality in the city with new housing, new facilities, and green areas for residents to enjoy."
Illa Glòries: Barcelona's Largest Development
The Illa Glòries development, driven by the Municipal Housing and Renovation Institute of Barcelona (IMHAB), represents a total investment of €44 million. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda contributed over €2.6 million in subsidies. This extensive complex, comprising 238 flats across four blocks, is located in the Eixample district. It forms an island bordered by Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Carrer dels Encants Vells, Carrer dels Castillejos, and Plaça de les Glòries. When fully occupied, Illa Glòries will become home to more than 800 people.
So far, 173 flats have been delivered across the development. This includes 60 flats in Block B, 51 in Block A, 35 in Block D, and the recent 27 in Block C. Block C itself contains 67 flats in total. The design incorporates green roofs to lessen the urban heat island effect. It also features greywater reuse mechanisms and photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation, showing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Long-Term Affordability and Community Focus
The new residents receive their homes under a surface rights model, which grants them use of the property for 75 years. After this period, the building reverts to municipal ownership, with plans for the flats to then be offered as rental units. This model ensures the housing remains protected and accessible in the long term. The Illa Glòries project offers various housing types: 72 units for affordable rent, 16 for social rent, and 113 under surface rights. The remaining units serve individuals affected by urban expropriation processes and five flats are reserved for the Emergency Table.
For the affordable rent units, specific reserves apply. These include 21 flats for residents under 35 years old, 17 for local neighbourhood residents, and 7 for single-parent families. Additionally, three flats are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Monthly rents for these affordable units range approximately between €503 and €727, depending on the flat's size. The development features two large interior courtyards for residents, fostering community interaction. It also includes 14 commercial premises on the ground floor, 112 parking spaces for vehicles, and 282 spaces for bicycles.
Broader Housing Strategy for Barcelona
Barcelona City Council's "Pla Viure" plan prioritises increasing and accelerating the construction of protected public housing. The city aims to reach a public housing stock of 15,000 units by 2027. This strategy involves a sustained construction rate of 1,000 new protected homes annually. Mayor Collboni highlighted the city's commitment to fulfilling its objective of surpassing 3,000 keys delivered during this mandate. He also mentioned other measures, such as regulating rental prices and eliminating tourist apartment licences from 2028, to help residents stay in the city.
The Illa Glòries development stands as a prime example of this commitment. Another significant project, Illa Acer in the Marina del Prat Vermell neighbourhood, has also started delivering keys for its 234 units. The Glòries area, which recently opened its new park, continues its transformation. It has become one of the city's most important public housing hubs, with nearly 1,000 public homes either completed or underway.
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Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.
