The extensive urban regeneration works currently transforming Barcelona’s most famous avenue present a severe test for local businesses. Consequently, this La Rambla construction impact creates a landscape of contrasting fortunes among the city’s restaurateurs.
As La Rambla construction projects continue to disrupt pedestrian flow and logistics, the avenue has witnessed the provisional closure of the historic Amaya restaurant. Meanwhile, the same chaotic period has seen the bold debut of a new establishment, 700 Milles. Therefore, this signals a complex shift in the area’s commercial ecosystem.
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Home » La Rambla Construction Forces Historic Amaya Closure as 700 Milles Opens
La Rambla Construction Impact Forces Historic Amaya to Pause Operations
For the family behind Casa Amaya, a culinary landmark founded in 1941, the disruption proved financially unsustainable. The owners lowered the shutters provisionally on 1 January. They placed staff on furlough (ERTO) while waiting for the most disruptive phase of the construction to pass.
Mireia Torralba, a representative of the owning family, described the months leading up to the closure as “very tough”. The construction barriers have complicated access to the venue. This made it difficult for their loyal, often older, local clientele to arrive by taxi or car. With the prospect of losing their outdoor terrace later this spring due to works on the central section, the financial outlook became “unbearable”.
The future of Amaya remains uncertain. While the three-generation family saga hopes to reopen once conditions improve, they have not ruled out transferring the business. Foreign investors, who have been acquiring other businesses along the avenue with significant capital, have reportedly already made approaches.
New Investment at Number 12 Defies La Rambla Construction Challenges
Despite the dust and noise, some entrepreneurs see opportunity in the chaos. A Girona-based businessman has launched 700 Milles at number 12 La Rambla. It occupies the space formerly home to the classic bar Casa Joan.
The premises had a troubled recent history; Casa Joan closed in 2016 due to soaring commercial rents forcing historic closures. A subsequent venture, Casa Lola, failed to survive the pandemic era. The new owners have invested heavily in a complete renovation. They exposed original brickwork and arches to create a contemporary space rooted in maritime and Catalan cuisine.
Operating for roughly a month, 700 Milles aims to lure local residents back to the avenue. This demographic has largely abandoned the tourist-heavy strip in recent years. The opening has been welcomed by local associations, including Amics de la Rambla and the Barcelona Restaurant Guild. They view high-quality investment as essential for the avenue’s recovery.
A Difficult Transition for Businesses Amid La Rambla Construction
The ongoing La Rambla construction is expected to last at least another year. While the upper section near Plaça Catalunya retains significant footfall, fewer visitors are currently walking the full length of the avenue. They are deterred by the maze of fences and noise.
For the businesses that remain, the coming months represent a critical waiting game. As the city works to widen sidewalks and reorder the iconic promenade, operators are fighting to ensure that the future configuration of terraces allows them to remain viable in a transformed Barcelona.
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