Gràcia Hiking Club faces a desperate battle to preserve its historic headquarters in Barcelona’s protected Mulet passage.
The century-old institution has filed appeals against municipal orders demanding the demolition of unauthorised climbing structures and threatening the club’s complete closure.
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Consequently, the future of this cultural landmark now hangs in the balance.
Gràcia Hiking Club Confronts Regulatory Crisis
The Club Excursionista de Gràcia (CEG) moved to its current location at number 4 of the Mulet passage in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district in 1970. However, the club’s president, Jordi Pi, explains that proper permits were never secured for its activity or for subsequent constructions, including a bouldering wall and rocódromo built in 1998 and 1999. Furthermore, a speleology practice space added in 2017 also lacked official authorisation.
The situation came to light this summer during a municipal inspection. This inspection was triggered by the club’s own project to modernise its facilities and comply with safety regulations. The building, protected for its urban interest, presents a unique challenge: its interior staircase structure cannot be modified due to heritage rules, yet it fails to meet current safety standards.
According to recent reports on local regulatory challenges, the Barcelona City Council notified the CEG in July and August about the irregularities. The council ordered the demolition of “non-legalisable” works and warned that without proper activity authorisation, the club must cease operations. The club’s initial appeals were unsuccessful, leading to the current standoff.
A Search For Consensus And Architectural Solutions
Jordi Pi emphasises that the club has acted in good faith throughout its long history. He states they relied on specialised suppliers who were entrusted with technical supervision and permit processing. The club has now stopped members from using the rocódromo, boulder, and speleology area while seeking a consensual solution with authorities.
The district council of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi confirms it has held several meetings with the club to explain the situation and offer solutions within the legal framework. Nevertheless, they note that, to date, no formal licence application has been submitted by the club itself. All procedures are currently paused pending the council’s response to the club’s latest appeals.
Meanwhile, the Gràcia Hiking Club is investigating an architectural solution that meets safety parameters while respecting the building’s protected heritage value. This paradoxical situation requires improvements to a protected staircase that currently lacks municipal approval. Pi appeals for support from the City Council, the Generalitat, and sports federations, highlighting the club’s century of service and its awards, including the Creu de Sant Jordi and Barcelona’s Gold Medal.
With over a thousand members, the club fears it may have to abandon the Mulet passage if its appeals fail. The outcome will test how Barcelona balances the preservation of its vibrant community institutions with the necessary enforcement of urban planning and safety regulations. Therefore, the fate of the Gràcia Hiking Club headquarters remains a poignant symbol of this ongoing tension in the city.
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