The Plaça de les Glòries expansion has reached a significant milestone. Bulldozers have started clearing three city blocks in Barcelona’s Eixample and Sant Martí districts. This demolition work marks a crucial step forward for the project. The heavy machinery is currently operating along Carrer del Consell de Cent. Consequently, it is preparing the ground for what will become a new green transition zone between the park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
While the sea-side section of the square was inaugurated in April 2025, residents have long pointed out that the transformation was far from complete. This new phase, confirmed by El Nacional, addresses the “mountain-side” boundary of the park. Therefore, it extends the green space up to Consell de Cent. This redevelopment comes amid the ongoing proposal to rename the Glòries transport interchange, which seeks to remove historical Francoist associations.
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Plaça de les Glòries expansion: Clearing the way for the ‘Urban Balcony’
The demolition work focuses on blocks between Carrer de los Castillejos and Carrer de la Independència. These works will remove existing structures. As a result, they will connect the Eixample and Sant Martí districts more effectively with the central park area, known as the Gran Clariana.
Once cleared, the space will be transformed into an “urban balcony”. This new area is designed to act as a transition zone rather than just a park edge. In addition, plans for the site include children’s play areas, pétanque courts, and multipurpose public spaces. These are designed to serve local residents.
The scale of the operation is substantial. In the Sagrada Família neighbourhood alone, crews are removing over 57,000 cubic metres of built volume across two blocks. Meanwhile, a further 36,000 cubic metres are being cleared from the block in El Clot. This area will be dedicated exclusively to extending the park’s greenery.
Plaça de les Glòries expansion: Preserving local heritage
Not all structures in the affected zone will face the wrecking ball. Planners have identified several buildings that hold significant historical value for the community. Both the Casa del Sucre and the Casa del Paraguas will be preserved within the new layout. This focus on conservation mirrors similar debates over preserving architectural heritage during construction seen with other major city landmarks.
Modern educational facilities are also being protected. The Escola Encants and the Escola Bressol Leonor Serrano will remain in place. Therefore, essential services for local families will not be disrupted by the expansion.
Plaça de les Glòries expansion: Housing and timeline
Beyond the green space, the project includes provisions for new housing. The blocks situated within the Eixample district will include specific zones reserved for public and protected housing. This addresses the city’s need for affordable accommodation alongside environmental improvements.
The Barcelona City Council signalled the start of these works at the very end of 2025. Activity has ramped up in the first weeks of 2026. The completion of this phase will finally bring the northern edge of the park in line with the ambitious original vision for Glòries as a new city centre. However, the project’s steady advance stands in contrast to another major urban development project facing legal hurdles elsewhere in Barcelona.
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