Sant Andreu swimming pool has been granted a reprieve after Barcelona City Council reversed its decision to close the historic facility. The municipal government will now maintain operations at the Centre Esportiu Municipal Sant Andreu de Palomar until construction of the new CEM Casernes complex is completed.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Sant Andreu swimming pool to remain operational
Council sources confirmed the change in policy this week following pressure from local sports groups. The original plan would have seen the Santa Coloma street facility close once the new CEM Sant Andreu-la Sagrera complex became operational. Consequently, this reversal represents a significant victory for community campaigners who argued the closure would damage local sports provision.
David Paredes, a PSC councillor for Sant Andreu district, clarified the new position. He stated the existing pool would remain open until the future CEM Casernes project delivers replacement aquatic facilities. Furthermore, the council has committed to approving planning for the new complex during the first quarter of 2026.
The existing Sant Andreu swimming pool contains regulation dimensions essential for competitive swimming and water polo. Meanwhile, the replacement facility at CEM Sant Andreu-la Sagrera would not meet these specifications for depth, length or spatial configuration. Therefore, elite athletes from Club Natació Sant Andreu would have faced training limitations without this policy change.
This controversy represents one of several challenges facing Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration regarding sports infrastructure. The Catalan Public Sector Contract Court previously invalidated the tender process for the new Sant Andreu-la Sagrera sports centre after appeals from swimming associations.
Municipal authorities now face the task of balancing heritage preservation with modernisation demands. The extended operation of the historic pool ensures continuity for local sports clubs while new facilities progress through planning stages. Ultimately, this compromise maintains vital sporting infrastructure for Barcelona’s Sant Andreu community.
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and news!
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | X
