Five municipal councils, including Barcelona, and the Catalan government have signed a 29-point agreement to transform the Besòs area. This comprehensive plan aims to revitalise the region through significant projects in housing, urban development, and environmental improvement, directly impacting thousands of residents.
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Sílvia Paneque, the Minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, chaired the “The Besòs Unites Us” participation commission of the Besòs Consortium. She described the working session as “very productive,” confirming the Ministry’s commitment to the agreed proposals. These proposals will proceed with a clear calendar and concrete actions, ensuring tangible progress.
Boosting Housing and Urban Regeneration
A key focus of the agreement is housing. It includes plans to boost the Vesta project, aiming to increase the number of homes across the territory. The Minister also highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation in the Besòs area. It has an ageing housing stock requiring modernisation. For example, Santa Coloma de Gramenet will provide land in its Santa Rosa neighbourhood for four new social housing buildings. This initiative directly addresses the demand for affordable accommodation in the metropolitan area.
Economic Development and Environmental Improvements
Beyond housing, the agreement addresses several other critical areas for the Besòs region. These include developing the productive fabric and regenerating industrial estates, which are vital for local employment. Additionally, the plan commits to improving urbanism and accessibility, enhancing connectivity for residents. It also focuses on boosting training opportunities and significantly improving the environmental quality of the Besòs coastline, a crucial natural asset.
Long-Term Vision for the Besòs Area
The Besòs area, historically an industrial hub, spans several municipalities north of Barcelona. These include Sant Adrià de Besòs, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Badalona, and Montcada i Reixac. This agreement represents a concerted effort to address long-standing challenges in the region. The signed agreements establish a commitment to implement five major transformation projects within the Besòs territory between 2027 and 2037. This long-term vision aims to deliver lasting positive change for the communities along the Besòs river, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta – Urban Life. Read original article.
