Barcelona City Council has officially approved the development of a major new park in Vallcarca, putting an end to years of uncertainty for the neighbourhood. The Government Commission greenlit the urbanisation project for the Parc Central this week, a move coupled with the launch of tenders for two new public housing buildings in the same area.
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The decision marks a significant milestone in the long-stalled transformation of Vallcarca, a historic neighbourhood within the Gràcia district. The plan aims to revitalise the area by creating a substantial green space while simultaneously addressing the city’s pressing need for affordable homes.
A Green Lung for the Neighbourhood
The future park will serve as Vallcarca’s “green lung,” spanning approximately 10,000 square metres. It will border Avinguda Vallcarca, the landmark Vallcarca Viaduct, Carrer de Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, and Carrer de Cambrils. Site works began last July with the construction of a new basketball court, set for completion this spring. The City Council plans to complete the full park by the end of 2027.
The design prioritises community use and climate resilience. Plans include nearly 200 square metres of urban gardens, accessible pathways, children’s play areas, and dedicated seating zones. In response to the climate emergency, the park will feature permeable surfaces to manage rainwater and new trees to provide essential shade. A central plaza, designed to host community events, along with a series of accessible terraces connected by ramps and stairs, will create a varied landscape. This project forms part of a wider city effort to improve green infrastructure, similar to other park restoration investments across Barcelona.
New Public Housing on the Horizon
Alongside the park’s approval, the council has initiated the tender process for 47 new public housing units. Two buildings will stand on Carrer de la Farigola, providing 20 flats, while another will be built on Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Coll, housing 27.
These developments represent the first phase of a much larger scheme for the area, which envisions creating nearly 500 new homes, 40% of which will be protected or affordable housing. This announcement comes as the city continues to explore innovative solutions to its housing shortage, including initiatives to build housing above shopping centres and collaborate with regional authorities on new developments. Additionally, the council confirmed that the allocation process for 36 affordable rental units in the nearby Grèvol development is also now underway.
Political Momentum Unblocks Stalled Plans
Laia Bonet, the First Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Gràcia district, hailed the decision as a breakthrough. In a statement reported by Europa Press, Bonet said the administration had successfully “unblocked the transformation of Vallcarca” since taking office, describing the project as “a process long-awaited by the neighbourhood.”
“This is a step forward in transforming Vallcarca into a greener neighbourhood, with renewed public space and new public housing,” Bonet stated, adding that the changes “could not wait any longer.”
The project’s advancement also stems from political negotiations, having been a key point of discussion with the Barcelona en Comú party to secure agreements for the city’s 2026 budget. According to reports from Tot Barcelona, Bonet emphasised that the dual focus on green space and housing represented “two very important milestones” for the area’s future. This investment reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public services and community facilities across the district, including projects like the new youth space in Camp d’en Grassot.
