Barcelona’s skyline at its southern entrance will be redefined by a new 20-storey tower on Carrer de Tarragona. The Barcelona City Council has initially approved an Urban Improvement Plan, paving the way for the high-rise in La Bordeta neighbourhood, Sants-Montjuïc district.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
The project envisions a tower designed as a “twin” to the existing Allianz building, mirroring its height and volume. This will create a striking, symmetrical landmark on one of the city’s key arterial roads. This new structure will be the fourth major tower on this section of the street, further cementing its status as a modern business hub.
A Mirror Image on Tarragona Street
The proposed development will occupy the city block delineated by Carrer de Tarragona, Carrer de Béjar, Carrer de Sant Nicolau, and Carrer del Consell de Cent. The official notice of initial approval, published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona (BOPB), states the plan aims to reorganise the urban space to accommodate the new building.
The new tower will stand directly opposite the well-known Edificio Allianz, a 20-storey, 77-metre office block completed in 1993. The plan stipulates that the new building will match these dimensions, creating a balanced architectural statement at the city’s gateway from Plaça d’Espanya. First reported by local outlet betevé, the project represents a significant step in the area’s vertical development.
Reshaping the Sants-Montjuïc Skyline
The La Bordeta neighbourhood has transformed significantly over decades, evolving from its industrial past into a residential and commercial area. The addition of this tower continues that trend, adding significant office or residential capacity and altering the district’s visual profile.
This development forms part of a broader pattern of urban renewal and architectural innovation across the city. As Barcelona evolves, projects like this reflect the ongoing dialogue about density, public space, and modern design. This theme was recently explored during the city’s celebration as the UIA-UNESCO World Capital of Architecture. While some projects focus on reclaiming streets for pedestrians and creating quieter green axes, others, such as this one, embrace vertical growth in designated commercial corridors.
With initial approval secured, the Urban Improvement Plan will now enter a period of public review and consultation before proceeding to final City Council approval. A construction timeline has not yet been announced. However, the project signals continued investor confidence in Barcelona’s real estate and commercial sectors, complementing major public works like the L8 metro line extension and neighbourhood street improvements in districts such as Nou Barris.
