The Barcelona City Council has given its initial approval for a comprehensive renovation of the football field in Sant Genís dels Agudells, committing nearly €436,000 to modernise the facility and address long-standing community concerns about noise. The project, slated for completion during 2026, aims to improve the experience for players and spectators while mitigating the acoustic impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

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Located in the diverse district of Horta-Guinardó, the Sant Genís dels Agudells neighbourhood lies on the edge of the Collserola park, retaining a character distinct from Barcelona’s bustling city centre. The investment in its municipal football pitch underscores a focus on upgrading local amenities across the city’s varied communities.

A Dual-Purpose Design

At the heart of this ambitious overhaul lies the construction of a new covered grandstand. According to the project details published in the Gaseta Municipal de Barcelona on March 20, this structure serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it will provide essential shade and sun protection for the expanded seating area, significantly enhancing comfort for the families and fans who gather for local matches.

Secondly, designers strategically shaped the roof, or pérgola, to function as an acoustic screen. Its form and materials are intended to absorb and deflect sound from the pitch, directly addressing the noise pollution that affects nearby residents. This innovative approach aims to strike a balance between a lively sporting environment and neighbourhood tranquillity.

Modernising Club Facilities

Beyond spectator comfort, the renovation plan addresses the pressing operational needs of the club that uses the facility. The project, which has a detailed budget of €435,917, includes the expansion of the current offices and the creation of new, dedicated storage spaces.

This structural reform will decongest daily work areas and provide an organised, secure place for storing sports equipment. The upgrade will bring the historic ground in line with the logistical demands of a modern sports entity, ensuring its continued viability. The investment follows a pattern of neighbourhood-focused infrastructure spending by the council, similar to the €486k renewal of the Abaceria Market area in Gràcia.

The Path to Approval

The resolution formalising the initial approval marks a significant step forward, as reported by Metrópoli Abierta. However, the project must now undergo a public consultation phase.

Following its publication, the plan will be available for public review during a thirty working-day period.

During this time, any interested individual or organisation can examine the technical documents by appointment with the Horta-Guinardó district’s legal services. This process allows residents to present formal suggestions or objections, known as alegaciones, before the project receives its definitive approval from the Ajuntament de Barcelona. While this project focuses on a local community hub, it sits within a wider context of urban transformation, from the creation of a major new bike lane to the ongoing debates surrounding large-scale developments like the La Sagrera station project.

By investing in facilities like the Sant Genís football field, the city aims to enhance quality of life at a hyper-local level, ensuring that development benefits all of Barcelona’s diverse neighbourhoods.