Girona’s city council has initiated a public debate to reshape one of the city’s most iconic hubs, Plaça de Catalunya, aiming to reduce traffic and transform it into a more people-focused space. The participatory process, which began this week, will gather input from residents and local organisations, with the first physical changes scheduled for implementation in autumn 2026.
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The square serves as a vital artery in Girona, a bustling nexus that connects the historic Barri Vell with the modern Eixample district. It serves as a key transit point for vehicles and a social gathering spot, famed for its distinctive arched walkways, or porxos. Therefore, the project aims to re-evaluate the balance between pedestrian life and vehicular flow in this central location, building on several previous pilot programmes designed to reduce traffic.
A Collaborative Blueprint
The council structured a detailed timeline for public consultation throughout the spring. According to the official announcement, 42 local entities and associations will participate in a series of working meetings to discuss the future of the square. The process kicked off with an initial meeting on 17 March, with an open public session planned for 13 May. The discussions will conclude with a final proposal, set for presentation on 28 May 2024.
Isaac Sánchez Ferrer, the Councillor for Mobility and Public Space, framed the initiative as a strategic move within the city’s wider Urban Mobility Plan. “The objective is to find the best fit between the needs of the citizenry, commerce, and mobility,” he stated. “This is a strategic project that seeks to improve the quality of life for residents.”
A Greener, Friendlier City Centre
Across Catalonia, a growing trend in urban planning pushes for “pacification,” a local term describing traffic calming and pedestrian prioritisation. Girona’s Mayor, Lluc Salellas i Vilar, emphasised the transformative vision behind the project.
“We want Plaça de Catalunya to be a space for people, a place for meeting and enjoyment, and not just a place to pass through,” said Mayor Salellas. “This participatory process is an opportunity to build together a greener, friendlier, and more sustainable future for our city.”
This approach echoes similar large-scale urban renewal projects in the Catalan capital. For instance, Barcelona’s ongoing efforts to remodel its famous thoroughfare in the La Rambla works and the recent project to remove a traffic lane on Balmes Street reflect this same philosophy. Such initiatives, including new cycling infrastructure like the bike lane connecting Esplugues and Barcelona, clearly signal a decisive shift towards prioritising sustainable transport and quality public spaces.
As a key urban centre in Catalonia, Girona often features on the international stage, hosting major sporting events such as the Volta a Catalunya cycling race. However, its transport connections have also recently been in the news, with Ryanair reducing flights from its airport. Thus, the Plaça de Catalunya project focuses on improving the city’s internal fabric for residents and workers.
With public consultation now underway, first reported by Diari Catalunya, residents now have a direct opportunity to shape the future of this beloved landmark. Although the final proposal will be ready by the end of May, the long-term timeline, with implementation starting in 2026, suggests a deliberate and carefully planned transformation.
