The Barcelona city government, led by Mayor Jaume Collboni, has ruled out purchasing the dilapidated Centre de la Vila shopping centre at its upcoming auction, stating that the starting price of €25.7 million is too high for the public coffers.


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The decision came during a municipal commission meeting on Wednesday, where the ruling Socialist party (PSC) abstained from voting on two proposals from opposition parties Barcelona en Comú (BComú) and Esquerra Republicana (ERC). The motions, which urged the city to demand a suspension of the June 10 auction and negotiate a purchase or direct cession of the property from the state, were ultimately approved with support from Junts, BComú, and ERC. The People’s Party (PP) and Vox voted against them.

The shopping centre, located in the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood—an area famously redeveloped for the 1992 Summer Olympics—is currently owned by the state-run company Mercasa. It has fallen into a significant state of disrepair, a fact acknowledged by the government itself. Of the 83 commercial spaces within the complex, only 35 remain open. The building is plagued by water leaks, cracks, and a ventilation system that fails to meet current regulations, according to reports from El Periódico.

Financial Prudence Over Public Acquisition

Jordi Valls, the Deputy Mayor for Economy, explained the administration’s stance, emphasizing the financial burden the acquisition would place on taxpayers. “We are talking about public resources and the taxes of the people of Barcelona,” Valls stated. He estimated that in addition to the €25.7 million starting bid, the centre would require a further “€20 or €25 million for renovation.”

“The municipal position is that for €25 million, we will not buy it,” Valls declared, agreeing with the opposition’s “apocalyptic description” of the centre’s condition. He also expressed scepticism about the possibility of the Spanish government ceding the property directly. “They ask for cessions, but I have seen very few, including when you were in government,” he remarked to the opposition parties.

Despite the refusal to purchase at the current price, Valls defended the Collboni government’s handling of the issue. He noted that through negotiations with Mercasa, the asking price had been significantly reduced over time. “Four years ago, there was talk of €80 million, then it was €40 million, and after more talks, a value of €27 million was reached,” he said.

A ‘Disappointing’ Outcome for Opposition

Opposition parties voiced their frustration with the government’s decision, framing it as a missed opportunity to reclaim a key local asset for public use. They have proposed converting the space into a municipal market or an facility for young people and seniors.

Jordi Coronas from ERC warned that “Barcelona cannot be auctioned off just like that,” viewing the government’s position as a surrender to speculative interests. Neus Munté of Junts called for a dialogue table involving residents of Vila Olímpica to “prioritise the public character” of the centre and avoid a rushed deal detrimental to the community.

Future Remains Uncertain

The city government’s abstention is seen as a strategic message to Mercasa and any potential bidders about its price limit. Deputy Mayor Valls insisted the administration would remain vigilant and that any future private owner would be subject to municipal control.

“If a commercial operator comes along and makes us a good proposal, will we say no?” Valls asked rhetorically, adding that “not just any operator will carry out an activity that this city council does not control.” He reminded the commission that the property’s designated use is commercial, and any changes would require a majority vote in the city council.

As the June 10 auction date approaches, the future of the Centre de la Vila hangs in the balance, caught between the city’s financial constraints and the community’s desire for a revitalised public space.