Gran Via renovation works will transform the stretch between Padilla and Castillejos starting in late 2026, according to plans discussed at Monday’s neighbourhood council meeting.
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The project aims to address years of deterioration caused by nearby Glòries square reconstruction and tunnel construction works that have left the area in a provisional state.
Gran Via Renovation Details and Timeline
The municipal intervention will cover approximately 9,000 square metres along a 130-metre section of Gran Via. Furthermore, the current temporary arrangements, including concrete elements and yellow New Jersey barriers installed during previous works, will be replaced with permanent solutions. Consequently, residents can expect significant improvements to the streetscape.
Each side will feature six-metre-wide pavements with new tree planting and six-metre-wide carriageways. Additionally, the mountain side will accommodate a single traffic lane for buses and taxis, while the sea side will permit private vehicle access. The traffic reorganisation follows similar calming measures implemented elsewhere in Barcelona to improve pedestrian safety.
Community Concerns Override Infrastructure Discussion
However, the infrastructure announcement was overshadowed by residents’ urgent safety concerns during the meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Jordi Valls. Mireia Roca, speaking on behalf of multiple neighbourhood associations, delivered a powerful manifesto declaring “enough is enough” regarding drug dealing, alcoholism, fights, and public drug consumption occurring in broad daylight near schools and parks.
“We live with fear and anger,” Roca stated, emphasising that elderly residents feel unsafe going outside. She demanded increased police presence, stronger action against crime, better cleaning services, and improved support for homelessness. The community spokesperson insisted: “Fort Pienc cannot wait any longer and we need to move to action.”
Other residents highlighted additional issues, including the poor condition of the road between Marina and Passeig de Sant Joan. They noted that painted bicycle lanes on pavements encourage cyclists to use pedestrian areas, while electric scooters frequently threaten pedestrian safety. Therefore, Valls committed to organising a neighbourhood meeting with Eixample’s security superintendent to address these pressing concerns.
The deputy mayor acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, refusing to distinguish between perception and reality. “Perception is part of reality,” Valls affirmed, validating residents’ experiences. This Gran Via renovation project now faces the dual challenge of physical transformation while addressing deep-seated community safety issues that have developed during years of construction disruption.
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