Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni today delivered the keys to the first 60 affordable rental homes at the Acer Block. This development is located in the Marina del Prat Vermell neighbourhood, part of the Sants-Montjuïc district. It marks a significant milestone in the city's efforts to increase its public housing stock.
The Acer Block is the city's second-largest protected housing development, following the Glòries Block. It features a total of 234 homes across two blocks and five stairwells. The City Council allocated 172 homes for affordable rental and 62 under a surface rights regime.
Boosting Public Housing in Barcelona
The Barcelona Municipal Housing Institute (IMHAB) drove the Acer Block development. IMHAB invested €32.8 million in the project. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda provided funding for this initiative.
Mayor Collboni highlighted the importance of the new homes. He stated, “The Acer Block will be home to over 800 people.” He encouraged residents to bring life to the Marina del Prat Vermell neighbourhood. This area is one of the city's expanding zones, with new local facilities planned for future residents.
Marina del Prat Vermell's Transformation
The Marina del Prat Vermell neighbourhood is undergoing a major transformation. It has become a critical hub for public housing in Barcelona. The area also gains new facilities and improved public transport links.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) extended its V5 bus line to the junction of Motors and Acer streets. This extension started on Monday, 27th April. The new bus route directly serves the Acer Block residents.
Acer Block Features and Future Plans
The Acer Block occupies approximately 5,600 square metres. It is one of three plots forming the block bordered by Motors, Acer, Ascó, and Cal Cisó streets. The design includes a central garden with large trees and hard landscaping. This space aims to create a quality outdoor community area, helping neighbours connect and improving their quality of life.
The building features a ventilated interior corridor, with homes located on both sides. Patios extend from the exterior façade to this interior corridor, providing natural ventilation. The architectural firm UTE Aybar Mateos and Borrell-Jover designed the development. Additionally, the Neighbourhood Plan includes a Municipal Nursery School on the ground floor of the Cal Cisó street block.
Affordable Rental Details and City Goals
The homes range from one to three bedrooms, measuring between 43.31 and 78.85 square metres. Rental prices are set at 10.01 euros per square metre. Monthly rents vary from 401.20 to 789.29 euros. Residents also pay approximately 35.00 euros monthly for community charges, property tax, and other fees.
Of the affordable rental flats, 47 have one bedroom, 75 have two bedrooms, and 38 have three bedrooms. The homes under surface rights include a linked parking space. Among these, 48 have two bedrooms and 14 have three bedrooms. The development includes 12 homes adapted for people with reduced mobility.
As is standard for protected housing projects, the City Council reserved 40 homes for local residents. It also allocated 16 for single-parent families, 48 for individuals under 35, and 12 for people needing adapted housing. The remaining 174 homes in the Acer Block are expected for delivery throughout 2026.
Barcelona's Housing Strategy
Increasing and accelerating the construction of protected public housing is a critical priority for the municipal government. Through the Live Plan, the City Council works to guarantee citizens' right to dignified and affordable housing. Mayor Collboni stated that the City Council is working to use all available land. This aims to build the equivalent of 10,000 flats in the coming years. This will ensure a sustained increase in the public housing stock.
The City Council aims to deliver 3,000 keys by the end of this mandate. This will expand the public housing stock to 15,000 homes by 2027. The plan ensures a consistent construction rate of 1,000 new protected homes each year. The Acer Block project is a significant step towards these ambitious goals.
Come and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.
