Barcelona City Council has announced plans for a significant urban strategy in Ciutat Vella, aiming to connect the Raval district directly to the sea. This ambitious project forms part of a broader vision for the central district, extending until 2035.
New Civic Axis for Raval
The proposed civic axis will run parallel to La Rambla, a famous Barcelona boulevard. It will stretch from Plaça de la Universitat to the Columbus Monument. This connection will use Joaquim Costa street and Rambla del Raval, leading to Avinguda Drassanes. Ciutat Vella Commissioner Joan Pera explained the plan revives an idea from former mayor Pasqual Maragall. Maragall's proposal was known as the "Seminari-Liceu axis". Pera stated, "We are extending it to the sea, bringing Raval to the sea."
This strategy aims to improve public spaces in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona's historic old town. It seeks to support daily life for the district's residents. Pera emphasised the goal to guarantee "the right to stay and live with quality." The Ajuntament presented this urban strategy, which includes around 50 actions over the next decade. Many of these will require changes to current urban planning regulations.
Updating Outdated Urban Planning
The existing urban plan for Ciutat Vella dates back to the 1980s and 1990s. Pera noted this older plan "is now expired." At that time, the city needed to recover neighbourhoods and create new facilities and services. Nearly half a century later, the reality and needs of the district's neighbourhoods have changed significantly. The new strategy identifies 15 horizontal and seven vertical axes. It also targets 30 areas for revitalisation and social activity.
Pera explained the plan will "take advantage of the natural axes the district already has." Many of these are historical routes. The goal is to "network Ciutat Vella with Ciutat Vella and with the rest of the city." This helps integrate the central district more fully with Barcelona. International residents and tourists often visit Ciutat Vella, making these improvements relevant to many.
Key Projects and Housing Initiatives
Other vertical axes planned include a link between Passeig de Gràcia and the sea. This route will pass through Portal de l'Àngel, Bisbe street, and Ciutat street, ending at Regomir street. Another axis focuses on improving accessibility to Parc de la Ciutadella and La Rambla, two major city landmarks.
Specific works include reforms on Pepe Rubianes street and Antoni Genescà i Corominas square. The plan also covers the renovation of the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. Further projects involve Can 60, sports facilities in Raval Sud, and connecting Wellington street to Parc de la Ciutadella. Some of these works had previous announcements.
The Ajuntament also plans to use these planning changes to boost housing in Ciutat Vella. This includes rehabilitating many older properties. Residents can find full details of the municipal proposal on the Ajuntament's official website.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
