Glòries transformation continues with five major infrastructure projects scheduled through 2026, completing the area’s dramatic metamorphosis from traffic-choked roundabout to green urban hub.
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The newly inaugurated central park represents just the beginning of this ambitious redevelopment programme that will reshape all four sides of the iconic square.
Glòries transformation enters crucial implementation phase
Barcelona’s municipal company BIMSA has recently tendered a sophisticated hydraulic siphon project valued at €5.4 million. This underground bypass for stormwater drainage will run beneath existing railway tunnels, with construction expected to begin in early 2026 and continue through spring 2027. The complex engineering requires connecting two concrete shafts beneath three separate tunnels carrying regional trains and metro Line 1.
Meanwhile, the most substantial current works involve completely reconfiguring Gran Via’s tram infrastructure. The €32.5 million project, funded jointly by Barcelona City Council and the Catalan government, will double tram tracks and redesign the route between Glòries and Rambla del Poblenou. Consequently, this will create unprecedented shared lanes for buses and trams while expanding pedestrian spaces above the Gran Via tunnels.
Furthermore, the northern section of Consell de Cent street will undergo dramatic changes after nearly two decades of planning. Demolition of dilapidated buildings between Independència and Castillejos will commence by year’s end, making way for park expansion, new educational facilities, and six residential blocks. This long-awaited urban regeneration will transform 13,542 square metres of underutilised space.
Additionally, the area around the Gran Via tunnel access ramp will receive much-needed attention in late 2026. The provisional arrangements dating back a decade will be replaced with proper six-metre-wide tree-lined pavements and dedicated vehicle lanes. This improvement addresses longstanding community concerns about the area’s temporary appearance and functionality.
The final element of the Glòries transformation involves an innovative metro station vestibule within the Disseny Hub building. Passengers will access Line 1 directly from the cultural facility’s ground floor, following international examples like London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Municipal sources confirm this interior architectural work will proceed without disrupting station operations or public space.
These coordinated projects represent Barcelona’s commitment to sustainable urban development, mirroring other major infrastructure investments across the region. The comprehensive approach to Glòries demonstrates how cities can successfully repurpose outdated transportation infrastructure into vibrant, multi-functional public spaces that serve both residents and visitors.
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