An evolving Olympic legacy
Following the impact of the 1992 Olympic Games on the remodeling of Barcelona, the city’s seafront began a renewal process that culminated in the inauguration of the Moll de España in May 1995. This new area was conceived as a dynamic core, both commercial and cultural, with the intention of revitalizing the relationship between the city and the sea.
The passage of time: changes and disappearances
Over the years, some of the iconic elements of the dock have been left behind. Among the most noticeable loss is the IMAX, a film room that was a reference for 3D projections, and which is currently transformed into a space dedicated to the Liceu Mar. At the same time, the multicine that operated for years was demolished two years ago, leaving a gap in the leisure offer.
Maremagnum: A Space of Contrasts
The Maremagnum, which opened in 1995, was one of the first major shopping centers in the area, with a modest start of 15 shops and several restaurants. However, their offer grew rapidly, eclipse other leisure options. Despite this, its history has not been exempt from tragic moments, such as the death of Wilson Pacheco, an incident that marked the community and showed the problems that uncontrolled nightlife could lead to.
A New Focusing: Gastronomy and Culture
With the arrival of Klépierre’s new management, the Maremagnum seeks to reinvent itself, oriented towards a more experiential model that integrates gastronomy and culture. Eva Adroguer, its director, emphasizes the importance of connecting with the local community, saying that ‘we want to open Barcelona to the sea, with the neighbors as protagonists’.
Commitment to the community
Manel Martínez, spokesman for the Barceloneta Neighborhood Association, shares the optimism of the new direction of the Maremagnum, despite reminiscent of the difficulties they experienced during the time of overnight excesses. Martínez emphasizes that the incorporation of gastronomic proposals managed by premises is a positive first step towards a closer collaboration between the neighborhood and the mall.
A shared vision of the future
The question of what the role of the Maremagnum should be in the future of the city is central to the current debate. Martinez proposes that the center is not only a complement, but that it is an integral part of Ciutat Vella. Adroguer agrees, emphasizing that the key to success is to rediscover the place with the active participation of the neighbors and the local audience, creating a space that is not only a commercial destination, but also a cultural nucleus.
