Barcelona City Council will soundproof the La Sagrera multi-sports court in the Sant Andreu district, ending over two decades of noise complaints from residents on Carrer de Hondures. This significant urban development project will replace existing tarpaulins with sound-absorbing walls, ensuring local residents' right to rest and quiet.
Residents have endured extreme noise from intense sports activity, particularly roller hockey matches held from 08:00 until 23:00 on weekends. The constant sound of games, scoreboards, public cheering, and animation elements created ongoing stress and disruption in nearby homes. This persistent noise affected their ability to relax, sleep, and enjoy their living spaces.
Since 2004, residents have filed nearly 20 formal complaints with the city council regarding the disturbance. These complaints highlighted the severe impact on their quality of life. Previous attempts to mitigate the noise, such as a metal roof installed in 2001 and perimeter tarpaulins added in 2016, proved entirely ineffective at containing the decibel levels.
Resolving Decades of Noise Disturbance
The multi-sports court opened in 1992, shortly after the construction of adjacent residential blocks on Carrer de Hondures. This close proximity immediately led to tension between the sports facility and the neighbourhood. The intense activity, especially during weekend tournaments, made the area a source of constant irritation for those living nearby. The noise was not just an inconvenience; it became a significant public health concern for many.
A recent mediation process, involving the city council, facility managers, and the community, successfully stopped the use of drums and air horns in the stands. This step offered some relief, but residents maintained that a full structural enclosure remained the only definitive solution for acoustic isolation. The community's persistent advocacy played a critical role in pushing for this long-awaited resolution.
Project Details and Investment
The approved plan will transform the pavilion's appearance and acoustic isolation. It involves constructing new walls with high-capacity sound-absorbing materials on the south and west facades, directly replacing the current temporary tarpaulins. These new structures will provide a permanent barrier against the noise. Before building these new walls, workers must execute various demolition tasks. These include removing existing metal grilles, pavement, and part of the roof. They will also dismantle the current nets and textile enclosures.
The Barcelona City Council estimates the project will cost approximately 500,000 euros. This substantial investment shows the council's commitment to addressing long-standing community issues. This funding comes from a larger 20 million euro package allocated to districts. The municipal government, led by the Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC), and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) reached this agreement.
Impact on Sports Clubs and Future Plans
While the exact start date for the works is still pending, the council expects the construction to last for six uninterrupted months. This period requires careful planning to minimise disruption. During this time, municipal authorities and the facility managers, Club Patí Independent la Sagrera and Associació Esportiva Sant Andreu, will coordinate the temporary relocation of teams and athletes. This ensures they can continue their training and official competitions at other suitable city facilities, maintaining their sports schedules.
The Sant Andreu district, home to over 150,000 residents, will see a significant improvement in residential quality of life. This long-awaited soundproofing project will allow the community to enjoy both the benefits of local sports facilities and the fundamental right to peace and quiet in their homes. It establishes a positive precedent for balancing intensive sports activities with the community's well-being.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
