Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals SA (BIMSA) has initiated the tender process for a significant coastal redevelopment project in the Sant Martí district. This ambitious urban planning initiative aims to transform the Mar Bella promenade and expand the adjacent beach. The project will create a vast new park, stretching from the Mar Bella Sports Centre all the way to the Fòrum’s Marina Platform.
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The contract, valued at an estimated 492,000 euros, will define the precise works across a substantial 32,939 square metres. This area extends specifically from the Mar Bella Sports Centre to the promenade connecting with the Fòrum Marina Platform. These connecting works are already underway, setting the stage for the broader transformation.
Relocating a Community Football Pitch
A key component of the plan involves relocating the municipal football pitch, Poblenou-Agapito Fernández. This facility, which includes a building with changing rooms and other services, will move to the large esplanade at the Fòrum. This area is currently an undeveloped space. The new platform will become a versatile, multi-purpose area. It will integrate a dedicated beach control centre and a new sea centre focused on nautical sports. This move aims to modernise facilities and create a more cohesive coastal environment.
Additionally, the project incorporates a new anti-discharge and anti-flood storm tank. This crucial infrastructure will be located at Bac de Roda street, directly facing the sea. Its purpose is to significantly reduce sewage overflows into the Mediterranean during periods of heavy rainfall. This improvement directly addresses environmental concerns and enhances water quality for beachgoers.
Expanding Mar Bella Beach and Coastal Resilience
The plan also details the redefinition and removal of the existing promenade wall. This strategic alteration will significantly widen the Mar Bella beach area, providing more space for residents and tourists. The project will also include substantial improvements to the wall’s foundation. These upgrades are designed to ensure its long-term compatibility with erosion predictions up to the year 2053.
Beaches in this area, while relatively stable due to various perpendicular and submerged breakwaters, face specific challenges. During winter storms, sand consistently deposits at the foot of the beach. Crucially, the milder sea conditions of spring and summer are often insufficient to return this sand to the dry beach. This phenomenon results in a progressively shrinking dry sand area each year. Consequently, the coastline effectively shifts further inland. The planned wall adjustments aim to mitigate this ongoing erosion and maintain a wider, more accessible beach.
A Vision for Barcelona’s Future Coastline
The comprehensive works are anticipated to conclude between 2030 and 2031. Upon completion, they will enable uninterrupted travel along the entire Barcelona coastline. The expansive new promenade alongside the sea will feature a clear, open space up to 60 metres wide. This area will incorporate numerous amenities, including shaded zones, newly planted trees, comfortable benches, scenic viewpoints, and dedicated sports areas.
The primary objective is to transform the promenade from a simple thoroughfare into a vibrant space for extended stays and diverse activities. Currently, the area is already popular with local running clubs and residents of the Sant Martí district, which is home to over 240,000 people. This urbanisation project will establish the promenade as a fully equipped and adapted axis. It will cater effectively to both family leisure and various sporting uses, significantly enhancing the district’s coastal appeal.
As Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals SA proceeds with the tender, the selected firm will develop the detailed project. This crucial step will lay the essential groundwork for construction to commence. This initiative represents a significant advancement in Barcelona’s long-term strategy to integrate its urban fabric more closely with its Mediterranean coastline, creating a more sustainable and enjoyable seafront for all.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
