Barcelona City Council currently maintains 191 of its 209 catalogued emblematic shops, a decade after establishing the protection list. This figure represents a more positive outcome than the 29 closures recorded five years ago, according to a municipal report accessed by El Periódico.

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However, the city faces ongoing challenges. Many re-opened establishments often retain only the protected architectural elements, while their new uses significantly depart from the original historical function. This trend raises questions about the true preservation of Barcelona’s unique commercial identity.

Closures and Economic Pressures

Eighteen emblematic shops have closed permanently across Barcelona. Ciutat Vella, a district known for its historic streets and high tourist traffic, accounts for the majority of these closures. Affected businesses include Casa Oliveras, Coses de Casa, Fleca Artesana, El Indio, El Ingenio, La Granja, Forn La Valenciana, Papabubble, La Lionesa, Bar Ultramarinos, and the Pla de la Garsa restaurant.

Other closures include Forn Cosialls and Viajes Nautalia in the Eixample district, a major commercial hub. Gràcia lost Vinos Vicente Casas and Amadeo Carbonell. Electricitat Yrurzun closed in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Fleca Girabal in Sant Andreu, and Poblet La Africana in Sant Martí. High rental prices, particularly in tourist areas, a lack of generational succession, and declining sales frequently drive these closures. The paradox of tourism, which both inflates rents and sustains some businesses through increased footfall, complicates the situation for these historic establishments.

City Council’s Preservation Efforts

The City Council’s Commerce department actively addresses these issues. The Fifth Deputy Mayor’s office established a work plan between Commerce and Urban Planning. This initiative aims to boost the protection and continuity of Barcelona’s emblematic and unique establishments. Officials will keep municipal groups informed to coordinate actions effectively.

Last year, the council took new steps to expand protective measures. Legal services are now preparing a new tender to adapt the municipal catalogue of emblematic shops. This adaptation will align with the new Catalan Commerce Law, expected by late 2025. This legislation will allow for the protection of local identity beyond just material heritage, fostering business continuity and generational succession.

Rethinking Heritage Protection

The original 2016 Catalogue of Protection focused on safeguarding architectural and ornamental features of historic shops. This approach sometimes led to unintended consequences. For example, the century-old Farmacia La Estrella on Ferran Street closed and later became a cannabis shop, retaining minimal original signage and furniture. This change significantly distorted its historical memory. After another closure, the premises are now undergoing renovation to house a jewellery business, with a more careful restoration.

Jordi Coronas, an Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) councillor, highlighted this issue. He stated that the catalogue focused on the “container, but not the historical character.” Last summer, the City Council approved his proposal to update the local catalogue. This update aims to include businesses with deep roots in the city, such as Panadería Elías in Camp de l’Arpa and Restaurante El Roure in Gràcia. Coronas advocates for a specific catalogue of unique businesses. This would preserve their activity, collective memory, and generational succession, even if they lack modernist display cases or other prominent heritage elements. He noted that their value lies in their specificity and connection to neighbourhood life. Coronas also mentioned cases like Bodegueta de Cal Pep in Sants, where current regulations prevent its activity, necessitating legal protection.

Future Outlook for Emblematic Businesses

Recent changes include the closure of Poblet La Africana, a 1917 workwear shop in Poblenou. However, several businesses have transferred ownership while maintaining their original activity. These include Farmacia Bolòs, Casa de les Sabatilles (now Iwear Dolls), and Mercería La Selecta (now Ecoalf Pop Store). Additionally, the former Pla de la Garsa restaurant in Ciutat Vella shows signs of a new resurrection, with a works license submitted.

Pròsper Puig, President of Barcelona Comerç, welcomed the council’s plans to expand the catalogue of emblematic and unique establishments. He lamented, “Every time an emblematic shop closes, Barcelona loses a piece of its identity.” Barcelona Comerç advocates for an active preservation policy. This policy would combine protection, support, and regulatory adaptation to current realities. Puig believes Barcelona’s status as European Capital of Proximity Commerce should reinforce institutional commitment to these vital businesses.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.