L’Hospitalet de Llobregat plans a significant 28-hectare park in the Cal Trabal area, comparable in size to Barcelona’s Ciutadella Park, to complement the emerging Bellvitge biomedical hub. This ambitious urban project aims to transform the city’s southern landscape, creating a vital green lung.

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The new green space will sit near Bellvitge Hospital and the Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO), according to El Periódico. It forms a crucial part of the Bellvitge biomedical hub, which seeks international recognition in health research. The park will also reconnect areas of L’Hospitalet currently divided by the Granvia motorway, which officials plan to place underground.

This initiative addresses L’Hospitalet’s high urban density, aiming to significantly increase green zones for its residents. The design prioritises biodiversity, reflecting the area’s status as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).

A New Green Lung for L’Hospitalet

The park’s naturalistic design will feature approximately 3,000 new trees, creating a substantial climate refuge. It will offer shaded areas, natural pathways, and dedicated spaces for Mediterranean fauna and vegetation. This focus on nature helps mitigate urban heat island effects and supports local ecosystems.

Sustainable Water Management

Key features include a large water basin, wet ditches, and natural drainage systems. These elements will facilitate aquifer recharge and manage rainwater runoff effectively. The plan allocates 600,000 square metres for permeable surfaces, enhancing water infiltration.

Connecting Communities and Research

The Cal Trabal area, currently L’Hospitalet’s last agricultural stronghold, will host this transformative project. Its development is strategically linked to the Granvia undergrounding project, which will improve connectivity across the municipality. This integration will better link Bellvitge with the future biomedical hub and other economic centres in the metropolitan area.

Construction of the L’Hospitalet park, adjacent to the Ronda Litoral, is scheduled to begin in mid-2029. Officials expect the new green space to be ready by 2031, coinciding with the completion of the Granvia undergrounding project. This landmark development promises to enhance quality of life and support scientific advancement in the region.

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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.