History and evolution of the Olympic Port
The Port Olímpic of Barcelona originated in 1991 as part of the great Olympic transformation for the 1992 Games. Designed by architects Oriol Bohigas, Josep Martorell, David Mackay and Albert Puigdomènech, this port was the headquarters of the sailing competitions during the 1992 Olympic Games. Later, it was adapted as the city’s marina, becoming a key point for tourism, gastronomy and nightlife in Barcelona during the 1990s and early 21st century.
A deteriorated space
Over time, Port Olímpic began to show signs of aging. Despite maintaining its gastronomic appeal, the nightlife area declined, facing security problems such as robberies, fights and homicides. This led to the closure of the nightclubs in 2019, in search of a complete renovation.
The commitment to the blue economy
The transformation of Port Olímpic began in April 2022 with the purpose of embracing the blue economy, focused on sustainable economic activities linked to the sea. This plan included the remodeling of the Moll de Mestral and the Dic de Recer, preparing them to host the Copa América de Vela in 2024. The plan is to revitalize the port, combining sporting, economic and citizen uses.
Renovation work
The renovation initially addressed access, replacing the old Marina Street ramp with a new road from Litoral Avenue, thus improving the connection with Vila Olímpica for both pedestrians and vehicles. At the Moll de Mestral, the old nightclubs were replaced by a wooden pergola that houses the port’s blue economy hub, with spaces for nautical activities and technical rooms.
Moll de Gregal and the new gastronomic balcony
The Moll de Gregal also saw a complete renovation. The old restaurants were replaced by a new Balcó Gastronòmic that will open soon, made up of 11 restaurants and 3 gourmet shops. In addition, access and connectivity with the Centre Municipal de Vela and Nova Icària beach were improved, adding seating areas and viewing points. Four photovoltaic pergolas provide renewable energy and shade.
Double objectives: economy and citizenship
The renovation of the Port Olímpic seeks to be a blue economy benchmark and an accessible space for citizens. Sustainable economic activities related to the sea are promoted, compatible with environmental conservation. In addition, spaces for walking and staying were created, improving accessibility and making it more permeable and connected to its urban environment.
Reopening party
The reopening of Port Olímpic will be celebrated with a great party this Sunday, July 21. The event, which will be free and open to all, will feature family activities, workshops and concerts from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Moll de Mestral will be the main focus of the events, with children’s games, nautical and sustainable workshops, theatrical shows, live music, and gastronomic areas with food trucks.
Scheduled activities
In the morning, from 10:00 to 13:00, there will be children’s games and workshops. Walking giants and the Sound de Secà group will animate the space with traveling shows. At midday, family shows such as SalvaMars Cirkus and performances by musical groups will be presented.
Musical afternoon
In the afternoon, activities will resume at 5:00 p.m., with more music and entertainment. The event will culminate with two concerts: a jazz concert by Susana Sheiman at 7:00 p.m. and another by Andrea Motis Singular Quintet at 8:00 p.m. These performances are the prelude to the jazz program that the port will host during the weekends of September and October, coinciding with the youth and women’s regattas of the Copa América.
A renewed space for the future
The transformation of Port Olímpic is a commitment to a sustainable and accessible future. The combination of economic activities linked to the sea, together with quality citizen spaces, promises to revitalize this emblematic place in Barcelona, making it attractive for both residents and visitors. With this renovation, the port seeks to become a model of coexistence between economic development and citizen enjoyment.