Barcelona City Council has approved a €3.14 million investment to create a new green corridor, aiming to forge a seamless connection between the city’s urban edge and the sprawling expanse of the Collserola Natural Park. The project will transform nearly 11,000 square metres of land in the affluent uptown districts of Sarrià and Pedralbes into a landscaped public space.
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The urbanisation plan, confirmed by the council’s Urban Planning Commission, focuses on the area surrounding the Camí de Mare de Déu de Lorda. It will integrate the green space between this path, the Avinguda de la Mare de Déu de Lorda, and Carrer Conrad Xalabarder. The overarching goal, according to the official announcement reported by Europa Press, is to establish a “vertebrating axis capable of articulating nature and the urban fabric.”
A Natural Gateway to the City’s ‘Lungs’
The project will create a new pedestrian walkway, guiding residents and visitors from the city streets directly into the foothills of the Serra de Collserola, often called Barcelona’s green lung. Planners will significantly remodel the terrain, reducing steep inclines to make the route fully accessible for pedestrians of all abilities.
To enhance biodiversity and create a natural atmosphere, the path will be lined with trees and shrubs native to Collserola. The plans specify planting oaks (quercus), maples (acer), and smaller species like Judas trees (cercis) and almond trees. The final stretch of the path, where it meets the park proper, will be a traditional sauló (compacted earth) track, connecting with existing trails at a higher elevation.
This initiative aligns with the city’s broader strategy to enhance its green infrastructure, offering proven benefits for urban living. For instance, a recent study showed how Barcelona’s green axes have cut urban noise by over three decibels, highlighting the positive impact of such projects on residents’ quality of life.
Engineering Nature for Durability and Comfort
Beyond the landscaping, the project includes significant infrastructural upgrades. A comprehensive drainage and sewage network will be installed throughout the area. This system will feature a new water collection pipe and a series of specially designed permeable flowerbeds (parterres) that allow rainwater to infiltrate the subsoil naturally, thereby reducing surface runoff.
A key feature of the sustainability plan is the transformation of a disused quarry on the site. According to a report from Metrópoli Abierta, this old quarry will be repurposed into a lamination basin. This will act as a retention pond to manage excess water from a nearby gully, mitigating the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
To ensure the space is safe and welcoming, modern public amenities will be installed, including energy-efficient LED lighting and ‘Neoliviano’ model street furniture such as benches, chairs, and waste bins. The project also aims to improve connections to existing paths near the Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta to the west.
Timeline and Future of Collserola Access
Construction is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of 2026 and is expected to take approximately one year to complete. This development represents a significant long-term investment in public access to Collserola, a park which has faced recent challenges.
Earlier this year, access to the park was severely restricted after an outbreak of African Swine Fever was detected in the wild boar population. Consequently, the closures had a knock-on effect on the area’s economy, with local eateries reporting confusion and cancellations due to the restrictions. This new green corridor project underscores the park’s importance to the city and demonstrates a commitment to improving its integration for the future.
By blending thoughtful ecological design with practical urban infrastructure, the Mare de Déu de Lorda project promises to create a valuable new public asset, making Barcelona’s most vital natural space more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
