Barcelona’s Eixample district is set to revitalise its services for the elderly following a significant municipal investment. The City Council has awarded a contract worth over €4.5 million to the Associació Esportiva l’Eixample (AEE) to manage and energise nine Eixample senior centres across the district.
While the choice of a sports association might seem unconventional for general social management, the AEE secured the bid over Esports 3 Serveis Alternatius, a major entity in public management within Barcelona. Despite its sporting roots, the AEE has demonstrated the necessary experience to handle broader social issues beyond athletics.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Eixample Senior Centres: Barcelona Awards €4.5m Management Contract
A Major Financial Commitment for Eixample Senior Centres
The contract represents a substantial commitment to the district’s social infrastructure. Valued at precisely €4,502,495, the agreement spans 35 months and 17 days. Municipal sources indicate that the contract allows for a potential one-year extension, which would increase the total investment by approximately €1.5 million, pushing the final cost above €6 million.
The primary mandate of the AEE is to manage the ‘Programme for the Elderly of Eixample’. This coordinated initiative focuses on promoting participation and active ageing to prevent loneliness and social isolation among senior citizens.
Eixample Senior Centres and Services
The management contract covers nine specific facilities within the district. These Eixample senior centres will serve as hubs for the new programme:
- Sant Antoni
- Montserrat Olivella
- Esquerra de l’Eixample
- Germanetes
- Maria Aurèlia Capmany
- Carlit
- Fort Pienc
- Transformadors
- Sagrada Família
These spaces are designed to offer information and advice while promoting social and cultural events. The scope of activities includes healthy living workshops, lifelong learning in new technologies, and intergenerational exchange programmes. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to foster community networks that support individual and collective initiatives, similar to the goals of the major €100 million investment package pledged by Generalitat President Salvador Illa for the La Mina community centre renovation.
Promoting Dignified Ageing in Eixample
According to the justification report for the tender, this external management is essential for developing municipal competencies regarding social promotion. The council views these centres as vital tools for prevention, emphasising that staying active is key to a good quality of life and dignified ageing.
The programmes are generally targeted at city residents over the age of 60. However, pre-retired individuals aged 55 and over are also eligible to participate. In both cases, partners may accompany participants regardless of whether they meet the age requirements.
From Sports to Social Care in Eixample
The winning entity, AEE, is best known for its work in the sporting arena. It currently operates in various educational settings, including CEM Fort Pienc and the Ernest Lluch Institute, managing sports ranging from futsal and handball to basketball.
Under the new contract, the association will expand its portfolio to include cultural and leisure activities derived from official municipal programmes. In addition, given its background, the AEE will likely incorporate physical activities such as hiking, walking tours, and Nordic walking into the social calendar for the elderly.
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