A large, informal parking area in Barcelona’s La Trinitat Nova neighbourhood is set to be completely transformed, making way for a new municipal sports centre, 140 subsidized homes, and significant green space. The redevelopment of the triangular plot will, however, lead to the removal of more than 300 free parking spots currently used by local residents and commuters.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The Barcelona City Council‘s Commission of Ecology, Urban Planning, Mobility and Housing initially approved a Modification of the General Metropolitan Plan (MPGM), allowing the project to move forward. The plan, which received cross-party support from the PSC, ERC, and PP, targets a large site bounded by Carrer d’Aiguablava, Carrer de Fenals, and Via Favència in the northern district of Nou Barris.

New Homes and Community Facilities

At the heart of the urban renewal plan is the construction of two residential buildings, which will provide approximately 140 new subsidized homes, known locally as viviendas de protección oficial (VPO). According to the city’s proposal, these homes will cover a total floor area of around 9,800 m², with at least half of the units designated for the rental market. This move aligns with the city’s broader strategy to expand its protected housing stock amid ongoing affordability pressures.

The redevelopment also addresses a long-standing demand from the community for better local amenities. A new municipal sports facility will be built on a 2,000 m² footprint, with a potential total floor space of up to 4,400 m². The council highlighted this facility as a key outcome from a citizen participation process held in 2023. In addition to the sports centre, the ground floors of the new housing blocks will include 1,200 m² of space for commercial use and offices, aiming to bring more economic activity into the area.

Modernising Infrastructure and Public Space

Beyond the new buildings, the project includes crucial infrastructure upgrades designed to improve public space and environmental resilience. A key component is the construction of a 10,000 m³ underground storm tank. This anti-flood deposit is part of a city-wide initiative to build dozens of new storm tanks to make Barcelona more resilient to the effects of climate change.

The plan also redesigns the area’s public spaces. A large public square will be created on top of an existing depot slab belonging to Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), featuring play areas and seating. A separate, lower-level garden will adapt to the site’s topography, providing accessible pathways and viewpoints. These two areas will be linked by a feature staircase that doubles as a pergola, creating a new vertical connection within the neighbourhood. This focus on improving public realms mirrors other local initiatives, such as the recent investment to revamp nearby streets in Nou Barris.

The Path to Final Approval

This new plan is an evolution of a previous proposal approved in 2023. According to a report from El Nacional, modifications became necessary to account for the existing TMB workshops and garages, a major collector pipe, and the newly incorporated storm tank.

The urban design has also been refined. The two residential blocks are now configured to avoid creating a visual barrier along the Via Favència, improving urban permeability and ensuring the buildings receive better sunlight and ventilation. Furthermore, the final stretch of Carrer de Fenals will be converted into a green space, eliminating its connection to Via Favència and reorganising local traffic flow.

Before the project can be definitively approved and construction can begin, the MPGM will undergo a mandatory public information process, allowing residents and stakeholders to review the detailed plans and provide feedback. While the project promises much-needed housing and facilities, the loss of over 300 free parking spaces will likely be a significant point of discussion for a neighbourhood reliant on street parking.