For years, Barcelona residents have seen La Rambla, a central artery of the town, as primarily an overcrowded vacationer vacation spot.
Nonetheless, the town council is working to shift this attitude with a brand new mega venture that’s set to price £44.7 million, in keeping with the Catalan Information web site.
Since 2022, efforts have been underway to revitalise the enduring boulevard, aiming to make it extra inviting for locals as soon as once more.
The transformation plan focuses on making a greener, extra culturally wealthy house, with wider pavements and fewer roads. By decreasing site visitors from two lanes to at least one, Barcelona hopes to reshape La Rambla right into a vibrant pedestrian-friendly zone.
The primary section of the plan, spearheaded by architect Lola Domènech and panorama architect Olga Tarrasó, together with the assistance of group teams, is on observe for completion in October.
The bold venture additionally consists of limiting the variety of retailers that cater primarily to vacationers, as a part of a broader effort to reclaim the house for the town’s residents.
Planners are searching for to stability tourism with the wants of the group, particularly after latest protests this summer time towards overtourism in main Spanish cities – together with Barcelona.
Whereas an preliminary proposal to make the boulevard completely pedestrianised was deserted as a result of space’s combine of outlets, eating places, and houses, the up to date plan nonetheless focuses on decreasing site visitors and enhancing the native expertise.
As a part of the redesign, three new public squares will probably be added, together with a particular two-tone pavement.
The enhancements will even embody upgraded lighting and avenue furnishings, offering extra space for the 375 timber alongside the boulevard.
Moreover, new cultural hubs, together with an artwork and opera centre, are set to be constructed within the space.
In 2017, the town authorities launched a design competitors geared toward restoring La Rambla to its former glory.
The profitable proposal got here from Km_ZERO, a multidisciplinary group of 15 members, developed with the enter of quite a few group teams.