Pressure is mounting on Barcelona City Council to intervene in the fate of the Centre de la Vila, the deteriorating Vila Olímpica shopping centre in the Olympic Village. Therefore, Esquerra Republicana (ERC), supported by local residents, is set to present a formal proposal next week demanding the suspension of the state auction scheduled for 10 June.
The opposition party is calling for the municipal government to reopen negotiations with Mercasa, the state-owned company managing the site. Consequently, they aim to either purchase the complex or secure the total transfer of the space to the city.
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Vila Olímpica shopping centre auction sees substantial price drop
Mercasa intends to auction the entire complex as a single lot. This includes commercial premises, the shopping gallery, and the car park. While the company is officially asking for €25.7 million, reports suggest they are open to accepting offers closer to €18.5 million.
This represents a significant reduction from 2022. At that time, Mercasa demanded €80 million during initial talks with former mayor Ada Colau’s administration. ERC argues that this new lower valuation provides a viable window for the Council to acquire the asset. However, they acknowledge that the building requires an additional investment of approximately €20 million for necessary renovations.
Fears of private speculation surround Vila Olímpica shopping centre auction
The Vila Olímpica shopping centre has long been a source of frustration for the neighbourhood. Once a commercial hub, it now suffers from structural decay and low occupancy. Currently, fewer than 35 of its 83 units are in use.
Local groups fear that if the auction proceeds, the site will be snapped up by an investment fund. This fund would have little interest in community needs. Meanwhile, the neighbourhood currently lacks a municipal market and faces a deficit of local amenities.
“What we cannot afford is to lose this space for the neighbourhood and for an investment fund to come and buy it with other interests.”Elisenda Alamany, ERC leader at Barcelona City Council
Jordi Giró, president of the Vila Olímpica Residents’ Association, echoed these concerns. He warned that an auction could be a “disaster” for residents. Furthermore, it risks the complete loss of local commerce in the area.
Structural decline adds urgency to Vila Olímpica shopping centre auction debate
The urgency of the situation is compounded by the physical state of the building. The charges report accompanying the auction documents details severe maintenance issues. These include groundwater leaks, concrete decomposition in structural elements, and safety deficiencies in the high-voltage electrical systems.
Despite the pressure, the City Council has so far maintained a cautious stance. Sources from the municipal government state they are monitoring the process to see “how the operation evolves”. If the auction fails to attract a buyer on 10 June, it may open a new opportunity for the city. In addition, they could negotiate a purchase below the €18 million mark. This strategy could mirror Barcelona’s recent public housing expansion.
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