Barcelona State Library construction has officially commenced following a landmark ceremony attended by Spain’s top political leaders.
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The €82 million project, situated adjacent to the França Station in the Besòs area, will transform a former car park into a 16,000-square-metre cultural hub over the next five years. Consequently, Barcelona residents can expect to access this long-awaited facility by 2030.
Barcelona State Library Construction Timeline and Features
The development spans eight floors across a 5,000-square-metre plot, featuring two underground levels, ground floor, and five ascending floors with decreasing surfaces. Furthermore, the facility will include specialised music and audiovisual areas, dedicated spaces for teenagers and children, an auditorium, and multiple information points. Additionally, versatile areas for reading, study, and meetings will accommodate diverse user needs.
Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun described the future institution as the “great palace of the people” during Friday’s ceremony. Meanwhile, President Salvador Illa suggested that historical delays had ultimately improved the architectural project. The Barcelona State Library construction represents a significant step in addressing what officials noted was Barcelona’s status as the only province without a state public library.
The project forms part of the Ciutadella del Coneixement axis, with plans for a direct pedestrian route through the zoo connecting the future Mercat del Peix and the library. Moreover, the council has transferred the land while the Generalitat will manage operations. This development follows other significant infrastructure projects in the city, including the recently approved Diagonal tram system.
According to El Nacional, the library will become Spain’s second-largest state library after Madrid’s National Library. The acquisition of author Juan Marsé’s personal archive marks one of the first significant additions to the collection, although it won’t be housed at the Biblioteca el Carmel – Juan Marsé as some might expect.
This cultural infrastructure development arrives alongside other urban improvements, such as the Verdaguer metro accessibility works, demonstrating Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public amenities. The Barcelona State Library construction finally moves forward after decades of anticipation, promising to reshape the city’s cultural landscape for generations to come.
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