Barcelona is set to conclude an urban journey that began over three decades ago with the 1992 Olympic Games. The City Council has unveiled the definitive project to complete the Barcelona coastline transformation final phase, filling in the final gap in the city’s seafront with a new promenade, sports facilities, and green public spaces.
The ambitious redevelopment focuses on the large concrete esplanade situated between Llevant beach and the Parc del Fòrum. Currently known as the “marine platform”, this 12.7-hectare area will be reimagined to finally connect the Rambla Prim directly to the Mediterranean Sea.
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Connecting Rambla Prim to the Sea: The Final Phase
Mayor Jaume Collboni, alongside First Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet and Chief Architect Maria Buhigas, presented the winning design on Monday. The project, led by the team of Esteyco and Estudi Martí Franch (EMF), aims to resolve the “provisional nature” of the site that has persisted for years.
“It is a historic project that will complete the seven kilometres of Barcelona’s coastline, from the Vela hotel to the Fòrum,” Collboni stated. He noted that within “four or five years”, residents and visitors will be able to walk uninterrupted from the new port entrance all the way to the Fòrum.
A central feature of the plan is the response to long-standing neighbourhood demands: extending the Rambla Prim to the water’s edge. The design includes a new seaside promenade up to 60 metres wide. This “diaphanous space” will continue the trajectory of the Mar Bella promenade, incorporating viewpoints, shaded areas, and designated zones for sport.
A Multifunctional Space for Sports and Culture
The redevelopment is not just about aesthetics; it serves practical community needs. The large central esplanade is designed to be multifunctional, capable of hosting major cultural events such as Primavera Sound, the Feria de Abril, and the Cruïlla Festival. To support these gatherings, the platform will be equipped with permanent service infrastructure, including security systems, lighting, and access controls.
Significantly, the project provides a permanent home for the Poblenou-Agapito Fernández municipal football field. The site will also house a new “sea centre” dedicated to nautical sports and the Beach Directorate building. This aligns with the city’s “Blue Pavilion” strategy, which views the coastline as a massive open-air sports facility offering over 40 different modalities, fitting into Barcelona’s broader 2050 urban master plan.
Timeline and Budget for the Final Phase
The transformation carries a budget of €52 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, timed to follow the completion of current renovation works on the Mar Bella promenade. The City Council estimates that the entire project will be finished by 2030 or 2031.
Architecturally, the design accounts for climate change, utilising slopes and dunes to modulate the edges of the platform. These changes aim to improve sightlines to the sea from the Ronda Litoral and Rambla Prim while softening the harsh concrete barrier that currently exists.
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