The ground floor of Barcelona's Casa Heribert Pons, a protected modernist building on Rambla de Catalunya, remains empty 18 months after city authorities sealed a controversial 24-hour supermarket. The space, once a regional government office, sparked public outcry when it opened in summer 2024 without proper permits.
Barcelona City Council initiated two administrative proceedings against the business. These actions followed the discovery of unpermitted renovation work and the absence of an activity licence. The building's status as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL) mandates specific licences for any alterations. Simple notification is not sufficient for such a protected site. The new business also failed to apply for a change in its activity licence. The premises previously held a different type of permit.
The council issued a cessation order for the business in early October 2024, with a compliance deadline in November. However, the closure happened sooner. A municipal inspection in late October 2024 found serious infringements. These included failures in fire protection regulations and safety signage systems. The Guardia Urbana then sealed the supermarket, leading to its immediate closure.
A Protected Modernist Landmark
Today, the space appears completely bare, according to Tot Barcelona. There are no shelves, the walls are white, and no items remain from the former shop. Dust and leaves accumulate on the floor. Only a perforated metal shutter separates the interior from the outside. The original seals placed by the council still cling partially to this shutter.
Casa Heribert Pons dates back to 1909. The Manresan businessman Heribert Pons Arola commissioned its construction. Architect Alexandre Soler i March designed the building. Initially, it served as a residential property. In the 1930s, it converted into offices. The building retains its magnificent lobby and modernist facade. Sculptures by Eusebi Arnau adorn the exterior. Until 2013, the central delegation of the Department of Economy occupied the ground floor. This history made its transformation into a 24-hour supermarket particularly contentious for many Barcelona residents. The controversy highlighted concerns about preserving Barcelona's architectural heritage. It also raised questions about commercial developments in protected urban areas.
Unresolved Future for the Site
The empty space on Rambla de Catalunya, a major thoroughfare in the Eixample district, represents an unresolved situation. This district is home to over 260,000 residents and a popular area for tourists. The prolonged vacancy of such a prominent location draws attention. It raises questions about the future use of protected commercial spaces in the city centre. City officials have not yet announced any new plans for the premises. The site remains a stark reminder of the previous contentious opening and subsequent closure.
The future of the Casa Heribert Pons ground floor remains uncertain. Barcelona City Council will need to approve any new proposed activity. This approval must respect the building's protected status and urban planning regulations.
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Originally published by Tot Barcelona. Read original article.
