Barcelona City Council is pushing ahead with its ambitious plan to convert a derelict factory site in Nou Barris into a vibrant cultural centre, library, and public park. The project took a significant step forward with the recent allocation of over €137,000 for preliminary construction services at the former Ideal Plástica Flor factory in the La Prosperitat neighbourhood.
The site, which once produced artificial flowers and Christmas ornaments, has lain abandoned for more than two decades, a remnant of the area’s industrial past. Now, it is set to become a cornerstone of the neighbourhood’s revitalisation, part of a wider effort to enhance public services and green spaces in the Nou Barris district.
A New Landmark for La Prosperitat
The comprehensive transformation is budgeted at €37.5 million. At its heart will be a new 6,500-square-metre municipal building. This facility will house a multi-purpose auditorium, a gymnasium, various community activity spaces, and what is planned to be the district’s largest library.
Documents released by Barcelona d’Infraestructures Municipals (BIMSA), the city’s infrastructure agency, reveal a recent tender for €137,335. This sum covers crucial technical assistance, including the coordination of health and safety protocols during the construction phase and managing business activities related to the works. Furthermore, this initial contract includes provisions for monitoring a potential asbestos removal plan, ensuring the site is made safe for public use.
The new library aims for architectural excellence. Xavier Marcé, the councillor for Nou Barris, stated in December that it will be a “great facility” modelled on the multi-award-winning Gabriel García Márquez library. The design envisions a bright, open-plan space with large windows to maximise natural light across its two floors.
From Industrial Ruin to Green Oasis
Beyond the cultural building, the project will radically reshape the surrounding area. The master plan includes the creation of approximately 3,000 square metres of new green zones. A central plaza, conceived as a “forest of deciduous trees,” will feature alongside a dedicated children’s play area, providing much-needed recreational space for local families.
Funding for the project will be staged over several years. The City Council has already secured €24.84 million from the current Municipal Investment Plan (PIM). The remaining €12.65 million will be allocated from 2027 onwards. Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2026, with the new facilities expected to be fully operational by the end of 2028, as reported by Metrópoli Abierta.
This development is one of several significant investments aimed at improving the urban fabric of Nou Barris. It complements other local initiatives, such as the recently announced €3.17 million revamp of nearby streets. The conversion of the Ideal Plástica Flor factory also reflects a broader city-wide trend of regenerating historic industrial sites. This is similar to the project restoring historic facades in Clot Park, transforming post-industrial landscapes into valuable public assets.
