Barcelona City Council has provisionally approved the long-awaited relocation of the Eixample fire station. This decision, made by the Urban Planning Commission, ends a 15-year blockage. The fire station will move from its current site in Joan Miró Park to Avinguda Sarrià. This move unlocks several strategic urban projects across the Eixample district.
The provisional approval of the Metropolitan General Plan modification received votes in favour from the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), Comuns, and Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). This crucial step will facilitate the construction of the new Escola Entença. It also enables the expansion of the Casanovas Primary Healthcare Centre (CAP Casanovas), managed by Hospital Clínic. These developments address critical needs for the Eixample's more than 300,000 residents.
Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor for Economy, stated, "The reform resolves three structural challenges in a highly dense environment like the Eixample. These challenges relate to security, education, and health." The district has long requested accelerated construction of facilities within the former La Model prison site.
The modification significantly improves the provision of public spaces and urban green areas. The project will cover 8,189 square metres, which is approximately 3,900 square metres more than initially planned. This expansion frees up Joan Miró Park, which currently faces disruption from the Generalitat's L8 railway works. Additionally, the plan creates two new interior gardens and expands the existing Marcos Redondo gardens. It also calms traffic on Carrer de Comte Borrell, bringing improvements to Avinguda de Sarrià and Carrer d'Urgell.
New Eixample Fire Station Details
The future fire station will offer a more modern and operational facility, according to Deputy Mayor Valls. It will feature 4,200 square metres of dedicated equipment space. Its roof will incorporate a mix of green areas and photovoltaic panels for sustainability. Furthermore, a separate building will house 4,000 square metres of offices. The plan also reserves 1,500 square metres for commercial activities and includes 750 square metres of underground space.
Public Consultation and Opposition
While the measure received approval, it did not achieve full consensus among political groups. Junts abstained from the vote, while the People's Party (PP) and Vox voted against it. Councillors from the opposing parties explained that the approved document fails to address over 1,700 allegations. These objections primarily came from local residents. Deputy Mayor Valls responded by emphasising the City Council's duty to defend public interest. He highlighted the district's substantial population of over 300,000 people.
Progress on La Model Redevelopment
Meanwhile, political groups Junts, Comuns, and ERC pushed for an extraordinary commission meeting. This session, held on Tuesday, aimed to review progress on the works at the former La Model prison site. Such follow-up sessions should occur every six months but have not been convened for three years. The approved proposition also seeks to restore temporary uses for the La Model complex. It urges the Generalitat to construct a planned elderly care residence within the complex within three years.
Deputy Mayor Valls confirmed the City Council will not modify the existing general plan for La Model. However, he noted that the planned social housing units will incur additional costs. He also stated that the definitive project for Escola Xirinacs is complete and undergoing the tendering process. This project has a budget of 29 million euros for the sports centre and its foundational energy systems. The Education Consortium, funded by the Generalitat, holds responsibility for this project.
Looking Ahead for Eixample
This provisional approval marks a significant step forward for urban development in the Eixample. It promises enhanced public services, improved green spaces, and modern infrastructure. The City Council will now proceed with the necessary administrative steps. It aims to deliver these long-awaited projects, addressing key community needs across the district.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
