The historic Gràcia bakery closes this week, marking the end of an era for Barcelona’s Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood. After nearly 80 years, the Santa Clara bakery lowered its shutters for the final time on Friday. Consequently, it could not sustain a drastic increase in rental costs.
Located at the busy intersection of Travessera de Gràcia and Carrer de Quevedo, the establishment was forced to close. The property owner refused to renew the lease under existing terms. According to reports, the landlord demanded the monthly rent double to €3,000 as a condition for the business to continue.
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Home » Historic Gràcia Bakery Closes After Rent Doubled to €3,000
Historic Gràcia Bakery Closes: An Impossible Demand
Montse Cols, who has managed the bakery for 20 years, broke the news to regular customers. The decision was made reluctantly. The business was viable, but the sudden demand for a 100% rent increase made continued operation impossible.
Santa Clara was not just a traditional bakery. It was a beloved institution and a pioneer in adapting to modern tastes. For instance, it was one of the first in the area to produce vegan pastries. Its closure marks the loss of both heritage and a unique local service.
Community Outrage Over Closure
The news has triggered immediate backlash from residents and local organisations. Many see the closure as another symptom of aggressive gentrification in Gràcia. The Sindicat d’Habitatge de Gràcia (Gràcia Housing Union) condemned the situation on social media. They described it as a growing trend pushing out lifelong businesses.
“It closes because a new owner, eager to make money, wanted to double the rent of the premises to €3,000 per month. Impossible to assume. Another great loss for the Vila de Gràcia that will most likely be replaced by a gentrifying business, in English and with inaccessible prices.”Gràcia Housing Union statement
Residents have expressed sadness and anger at the loss of yet another local landmark. One neighbour noted the emotional toll on the staff. Mrs Cols had to fight back tears while explaining the reason for the closure. “Gràcia continues to lose pieces,” the resident observed. “And I say closes to not say that they are forced to close.”
This incident adds to a long list of traditional businesses in Barcelona displaced by soaring market prices. High-demand areas like Gràcia often see them replaced by chains or luxury services targeting tourists. This situation underscores the need for strategies like Barcelona’s strategy to combat gentrification. However, such measures may come too late for establishments like Santa Clara.
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