Barcelona City Council has approved the final phase of a project. It will transform a public car park on Carrer del Pintor Alsamora in the Porta neighbourhood of Nou Barris into a new green space. This development will eliminate all remaining parking spots. It completes a significant urban regeneration initiative for the district.
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The project, costing 4.1 million euros, will create a “proximity space” with an ecological and community focus. It aims to enhance urban biodiversity and provide new recreational areas for local residents. The works have an estimated duration of 16 months, promising a substantial improvement to the neighbourhood’s public realm.
Enhancing Green Infrastructure in Nou Barris
This latest phase builds on previous efforts that saw the relocation of the Can Valent urban gardens. That initial stage reduced parking from 346 to 184 spaces. The new plans will remove the final 184 spots, converting the entire area into a landscaped strip. This means the entire original car park will now become a dedicated green zone. It once offered 346 free parking spaces. Municipal plans aim to establish a new green corridor. It will strategically connect Can Dragó Park, the Llucmajor Gardens, and the Guineueta Park. This initiative will act as a vital nexus between several existing urban green areas across the district. It forms part of a broader metropolitan green network.
New Amenities and Sustainable Design
The redesigned area will feature an extensive network of paths. These paths will connect internal spaces with the surrounding green zones seamlessly. It will include ample urban furniture for relaxation and social interaction. Diverse vegetation layers will use low-maintenance, Mediterranean-adapted species. These plants will contribute to local biodiversity and require less water. Specific zones will activate the green space. These include a dedicated play area for children and a multi-purpose platform. The platform is suitable for community events and activities. Outdoor picnic tables will also be available for public use. Additionally, the entire site will incorporate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). These innovative systems will significantly reduce soil impermeability. They allow for greater natural rainwater infiltration. They also help manage urban runoff effectively.
Historical Context of Can Valent
The new green space sits adjacent to the rehabilitated Can Valent farmhouse, an 18th-century municipal property. Archaeological remains significantly delayed its renovation. These finds included a well, a wood-fired oven, two coins, and two wine vats. Various pavements dating from the 17th to 19th centuries were also found. The farmhouse currently lacks a defined permanent use. However, the 48H Open House Barcelona event occasionally features it for visitors. Local residents hope its future use will include educational workshops on gardening and urban farming. This aligns with the new green space’s community focus.
Impact on Residents and Future Outlook
The conversion of this car park into a green space reflects Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development. It also aims to improve the quality of life for its citizens. The loss of over 150 free parking spaces may present challenges for some Porta neighbourhood residents. However, the creation of a new, extensive green area offers substantial environmental and social benefits. This project will provide a vital new public amenity for Nou Barris residents. It enhances connectivity between existing parks. It also fosters greater community engagement through its diverse facilities. It marks a clear move towards prioritising pedestrian spaces and ecological value within the city.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
