Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni announced a €50 million "singular neighbourhood plan" for the La Marina del Prat Vermell and La Marina de Port areas in Sants-Montjuïc. This significant investment will transform the Passeig de la Zona Franca, the main artery of these districts, with a design similar to the Avinguda Meridiana. The plan aims to accommodate an expected 30,000 new residents by 2035, converting a large industrial zone into a vibrant residential hub.
The plan focuses on a vast area of over 80 hectares. Officials plan up to 12,000 new homes, with 1,500 already built. This rapid development will bring substantial changes to public transport and require new community facilities. Mayor Collboni stated, "We will create a central trunk with green spaces and cycle lanes, with private mobility and public transport on the sides." He contrasted this vision with the current design, which features five traffic lanes, parking areas, and a single side cycle lane. The mayor also highlighted the goal to "prevent inequalities" as the area grows, ensuring solutions are in place from the start.
This transformation forms part of the city's broader Pla de Barris (Neighbourhood Plan) for 2025-2029. The €50 million budget is specifically allocated until 2028 for this "transforming" zone. The project includes 43 planned actions, focusing on public space, housing, and services. These initiatives aim to connect the two La Marina neighbourhoods more effectively with each other and with the wider city.
Redeveloping Passeig de la Zona Franca
Interventions in public spaces are a key focus of the plan. The Passeig de la Zona Franca redesign will create "squares and meeting spaces that connect the neighbourhoods," mirroring the ongoing work on the Avinguda Meridiana. This approach aims to foster stronger community connections and improve pedestrian access. Additionally, the plan includes new housing promotions. It also covers the drafting of an expansion project for the Ronda Litoral, a major coastal road, between Zona Franca and Port de Barcelona. This will improve regional connectivity.
Boosting Public Transport and New Facilities
Public transport will see significant upgrades. Officials will implement new X3 bus lines and extend the V5 line. Mayor Collboni expects La Marina to connect with central Barcelona "before the end of the year." This will greatly improve daily commutes for residents. New municipal facilities are also part of the plan. These include a new nursery, a library, a civic centre, and a sports centre. A new primary care centre (CAP) is also scheduled, providing essential health services. The Enric Granados educational centre will become an institute-school, offering education from primary to secondary levels. The Institute of Graphic Arts Design of Barcelona will also relocate to the area, bringing new educational opportunities.
Integrating La Marina with Barcelona's Economy
The singular neighbourhood plan for La Marina aims to integrate La Marina del Port and La Marina del Prat Vermell. It also seeks to connect them with their surroundings. The plan intends to use the area's strategic location to interact with key economic players. These include Fira de Barcelona, Port de Barcelona, and local businesses. This integration will help create jobs and economic opportunities within the community. The project also introduces a business revitalisation technical figure. This initiative aims to ensure municipal ground-floor properties host commercial activities with social impact. This supports the local economy and addresses community needs.
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
The plan has a long-term horizon until 2035, structured in three distinct stages. The short-term phase (2025-2028) involves concrete actions with assigned budgets and planned execution. The medium-term phase (2028-2031) will see planned actions become reality, building on the initial groundwork. The long-term phase (2031-2035) focuses on consolidating La Marina's transformation. Mayor Collboni indicated that these investments aim to "prevent inequalities" in the face of La Marina's planned growth. He believes the area will have solutions in place as it develops, ensuring a balanced and equitable expansion for all residents.
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Originally published by El Nacional. Read original article.
