Sant Adrià de Besòs and Badalona councils, supported by the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), have announced a significant €17.7 million investment to drive the comprehensive transformation of the Besòs territory. This substantial funding, partly sourced from European funds, will fuel the IMPULS Besòs and ReViuBesòs projects, aiming to revitalise key urban areas and improve residents’ quality of life.

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The two initiatives combine digitalisation efforts, re-naturalisation, and enhancements to the quality of life across the affected neighbourhoods. A central element involves the future conversion of the historic Can Rigalt farmhouse into an urban and metropolitan innovation laboratory, envisioned as a leading centre for addressing social, climatic, and technological challenges.

Additionally, the first corridor of the former N-2 road, which traverses both Badalona and Sant Adrià, will become a primary axis of this extensive project. This transformation seeks to integrate the territories and generate new opportunities for the local communities.

Filo Cañete, Mayor of Sant Adrià de Besòs, expressed her satisfaction with the collaborative effort. She stated, “We have been able to make administrative borders disappear to multiply the results” in the ongoing transformation process. Ms Cañete highlighted the “improvement in security” and the environmental challenge of regenerating the river mouth and the fluvial park.

Enhancing Mobility and Urban Spaces

The projects will also implement new cycling infrastructure, connecting with the existing Bicivia network. Furthermore, intelligent traffic light systems will improve public transport flow and reduce waiting times for commuters. Urban spaces will undergo pacification, and environments around schools will see significant improvements, fostering a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly mobility model.

Xavier Garcia Albiol, Mayor of Badalona, emphasised the importance of these projects for the Barcelonès Nord area. He noted that this zone “has been historically marginalised” and “deserves more than it has received.” Mr Albiol praised the projects for focusing on “dignifying the environment” which has been “punished for years,” rather than merely “about stones.” However, he cautioned that this “is not the definitive solution,” advocating for future progress to “remove the monstrosity that acts as a border,” referring to the C-31 motorway.

Strategic Development Axes

The overall project is structured around three main axes. The civic axis aims to enhance connectivity and dignify crucial spaces, such as the area beneath the C-31 viaduct. An historical axis focuses on transforming the former N-2 corridor and establishing the new Can Rigalt innovation hub. Finally, a blue axis commits to regenerating the Besòs fluvial promenade, including renewal actions in flood-prone areas.

This comprehensive set of interventions forms part of a broader plan initiated in October 2025, aligning with the Metropolitan Urban Agenda. The plan is being rolled out across various neighbourhoods in Badalona and Sant Adrià, with aspirations to serve as a replicable model for other vulnerable urban areas. It demonstrates the effectiveness of combining strategic planning, public investment, and institutional collaboration.

European Funding and Future Vision

Antoni Balmon, Executive Vice-President of the AMB and Mayor of Cornellà de Llobregat, celebrated the launch of such a large-scale project “after 18 years in crisis.” He highlighted the reinforcement of the river space and avenues with new urban areas. Mr Balmon stated that these projects “focus on building lives” thanks to the European Commission’s support.

Manuel Szapiro, Director of the European Commission Representation in Barcelona, confirmed that both projects received European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding. He attributed this success to “the collaboration of the councils, the metropolitan area, the Spanish government, and the European Commission.” Mr Szapiro also mentioned that other European funds, such as Next Generation, will support emblematic projects in the Besòs area, including the Catalunya Media City hub at the Tres Chimeneas.

The two projects, as detailed by AMB General Manager Ramon Torra, have a completion deadline set for 2030. However, authorities are accelerating their execution, aiming for completion by 2029. Of the total €17.7 million investment, more than €7 million originates from European funds, underscoring the international commitment to the Besòs area’s future.

This significant investment and collaborative effort mark a pivotal moment for the Besòs area, promising a future of enhanced urban living, improved connectivity, and sustainable development for its residents. The projects aim to create a more integrated and resilient metropolitan environment, setting a precedent for urban regeneration across the wider Barcelona region.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.