Transforming the Rambla
The urban renewal of Barcelona’s emblematic Rambla is advancing significantly. This weekend the transformation works were completed in the section near the Christopher Columbus monument to Portal de Santa Madrona street. Barcelona City Council has carried out this intervention, with the aim of making the road more comfortable, green, friendly and with more space for pedestrians in its connection to the sea.
A new square that opens to the sea
Specifically, the layout of the Avenida de Drassanes has been modified to extend the Rambla and open it to the sea through a new square paved with natural stone pieces in various formats. The first deputy mayor, Laia Bonet, has highlighted that with this intervention we can begin to glimpse what the Rambla will be like in the future. The works of this first phase of redevelopment started in October 2022 have had an execution cost of 11.4 million euros.
Vegetation and lighting of the new space
In September, a hundred new trees will be planted in this space, of which 53 will be new additions, with wider tree pits and better subsoil. In addition, various shrub species will be added. The lighting has been unified with a simpler and more functional design, incorporating pylons at the request of the Local Safety Board. Regarding vehicular circulation, the model planned for the entire Rambla has been implemented, with a single lane per side for bicycles, buses, service and merchandise vehicles, in addition to access to parking lots; traffic is restricted to the neighborhood.
Deadlines and phases of the remodeling
Work on the rest of the promenade continues in accordance with the redevelopment planned for this important thoroughfare in the Catalan capital. The City Council plans to complete the transformation of the entire Rambla in about three years, ending at the beginning of 2027, instead of the six years initially planned. In total, the investment allocated will be 55.6 million euros.
Temporary access and road
Since June, provisional crossings have been enabled for goods vehicles, emergencies and residents. The road on the Raval side is uphill from the Columbus monument to Plaza de Cataluña, a system that will be maintained during the first months of the works.
Three phases of remodeling
The remodeling of the Rambla follows three phases: first the Besòs side, then the Llobregat side and finally the central trunk, all in sections of about 50 meters. This progressive approach aims to minimize the effects, as explained by Barcelona City Council. The new Rambla will offer more space for pedestrians and will reduce the road for vehicles to about 3.5 meters wide, while the side sidewalks will be widened to about 3 meters, making it easier for citizens to walk and enjoy in front of the shops and establishments. .
Three new places
In addition, the renovation includes the creation of three squares along the Rambla: one in front of the Mercat de la Boqueria, another between the Parròquia de la Mare de Déu de Betlem and the Palau Moja, and finally a third in front of the Teatre Principal. These interventions seek to turn the Rambla into an even more attractive and functional space for all its visitors.