The long-running battle over the future of the Can Raventós estate has taken a contentious turn. After months where total preservation seemed likely, Barcelona City Council has reportedly shifted its position. Consequently, the municipal government is now negotiating a “partial exchange” with the land’s owner, real estate developer Corp. This move would permit private housing construction on the historic site. This dispute unfolds against the worsening housing crisis in Catalonia.
This development represents a significant setback for the neighbourhood platform Defensem Can Raventós. The group has campaigned for years to convert the entire estate into a publicly owned “Casa de Cultura Popular” (House of Popular Culture).
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Home » Can Raventós Estate: Barcelona Council Backtracks on Preservation Deal
Can Raventós Estate Deal: From Preservation to Development
Previously, the Council had internally signalled approval for a citizen-led proposal. This plan involved a “total exchange”, where the City would acquire the entire Can Raventós estate. In return, Corp would receive development rights on three alternative plots in prime locations. These were on Carrer del Monestir and two on Carrer d’Isaac Newton, near Avinguda del Tibidabo.
However, nearly six months into negotiations, the lack of an agreement has led the executive to backtrack. In a meeting held ten days ago, Council representatives informed platform members they were reverting to a partial exchange model. The administration argued this compromise ensures the developer does not lose “consolidated urban rights”. District Councillor Maria Eugènia Gay had previously highlighted this concern in December.
Valuation Dispute in Can Raventós Estate Deal
At the heart of the deadlock is a disagreement over the land’s value. Corp values the Can Raventós estate at approximately €25 million, or €5,100 per square metre. However, documents from the Land Registry dating back a decade suggest a valuation of €17.55 million (€3,900 per square metre).
Campaigners argue the developer’s higher valuation ignores the legal requirement to allocate 30% of the development to protected (social) housing. This housing commands a much lower market value—around €400 per square metre. This mandate aligns with the City Council’s recent €49 million investment in public housing.
“Ignoring this factor and applying a high price as if everything were free market is the quickest way to inflate the final figure,” sources from Defensem Can Raventós stated. “When the figure is inflated, the difference doesn’t disappear: it is transferred to the negotiation with the City Council.”
Community Plans Derailed by Estate Deal
A partial exchange would likely result in private housing being built between municipal facilities, fragmenting the estate. The community’s vision was to create a unified public space. This would combine the heritage building with open gardens and address the chronic lack of space for local cultural groups, such as castellers (human tower teams).
The platform had even identified a plot on Carrer de Josep Garí to accommodate the required social housing off-site. This would free up Can Raventós entirely. Despite municipal technicians initially studying these options, the developer has reportedly entrenched itself. It insists on retaining private residential rights on the original site. The developer’s stance reflects broader patterns related to the concentration of property ownership in Barcelona.
In response to the stalled talks, Defensem Can Raventós has announced a protest for 10 February. The group calls on the City Council to abandon the “escalation of figures” and close a deal that respects the neighbourhood’s needs. Meanwhile, the City Council maintains the agreement is not yet closed. It states negotiations are ongoing to preserve the farmhouse and garden.
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