After years of negotiation and anticipation, the future of the historic Three Chimneys (Tres Xemeneies) complex on Avinguda del Paral·lel is becoming clear. Developer Conren Tramway has unveiled the first detailed renderings of its ambitious plan to transform the long-dormant site into a modern business center, breathing new life into a protected industrial icon in the heart of the Poble-Sec neighborhood. The project, which includes a new 12-story office tower and the rehabilitation of the surrounding public space, is slated for inauguration by the end of 2027.


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The site has been vacant since energy company Endesa departed in 2012, leaving the iconic structures as a silent monument to the city’s industrial past. The three towering chimneys are what remain of the former La Canadenca power station, a facility built by the Barcelona Traction, Light and Power Company. The plant holds a significant place in Spanish labor history as the origin of the pivotal 1919 La Canadenca strike, which successfully secured the eight-hour workday for all of Spain.

The path to redevelopment was cleared in early 2023 following a hard-fought agreement between Conren Tramway and the Barcelona City Council, then led by Mayor Ada Colau. The deal, which concluded a decade of negotiations, involved rezoning the land to permit the construction of offices. In exchange, the developer committed to financing the refurbishment of the adjacent Plaça de les Tres Xemeneies and ceding significant space to the city for public use.

A Modern Vision for a Historic Site

The newly released plans, detailed in a promotional brochure and first reported by El Periódico, reveal a striking transformation conceived by the Batlle i Roig architecture firm. The centerpiece is the 12-story office building, which will offer 22,500 square meters of office space and an additional 2,816 square meters of landscaped outdoor terraces on every floor.

“An old power station—an icon of the Barcelona skyline—is transformed into a new business hub in the heart of the city,” states the developer’s brochure, which is notably published only in English to attract international tenants. The design preserves the building’s original structure while enveloping it in a modern, high-performance glass facade.

Key features designed to attract local and foreign companies include a dramatic, triple-height glass entrance leading to a lobby and an underground ‘Ágora’ space equipped with a gym and event facilities. The project’s main attractions are a 1,162-square-meter terrace on the fifth floor and a 650-square-meter rooftop deck offering panoramic city views. The plans also envision a unique presentation hall situated directly beneath one of the historic chimneys.

Sustainability and Public Gain

Conren Tramway has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and will be equipped with 532 solar panels. An advanced water management system will treat 8,000 liters of greywater daily and store up to 70 cubic meters of rainwater for reuse.

The public-private partnership ensures substantial benefits for the city. As part of the agreement, Conren Tramway will transfer ownership of a building to house the new Barcelona Emergency Operations Coordination Centre (Cecor). The developer will also fund the complete overhaul of the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies public square and provide additional space for municipal facilities and affordable housing.

While construction has not yet commenced, the release of these detailed plans marks a significant milestone in revitalizing a key Barcelona landmark. The project aims to become a premier business destination, leveraging its strategic location and excellent transport links to redefine a corner of the city long associated with culture and entertainment.

Primary source: El Periódico Barcelona.