Barcelona, Spain - Ajuntament de Barcelona
Integrated renovation of the Ciutat Vella, historic centre of Barcelona

Urban regeneration and renewal

Abstract

The Integrated renovation of the Ciutat Vella (Raval, Casc Antic, Barceloneta and Barri Gotic quarters), in Barcelona is an example of a comprehensive urban regeneration and renewal process. Within the project different strategies are supporting the revitalisation of the physical (hard and soft), social (old and new residents), economic, and cultural infrastructure, as well as the recreation of linkages between the project quarters and other areas of the city. The process aims to promote the maintenance of the identity of the historic centre, to meet environmental aims and to ensure consistency with sustainability principles. The physical revitalisation is planned and developed using the legal planning instrument called Special Plan of Inner Reform (PERI). A wide involvement of different partners during the entire process has guaranteed the initiation and continuity of the process and avoided social conflicts.

Policy Goals

The goals are to maintain the complexity of theurban system through mixed land uses and multi-cultural integration attracting people with diverse cultural backgrounds and different incomes to live there; to promote lifestyles which reduce resource and time consumption; to improve thequality of life and to diminish existing disfunctions.

Project Status

The Special Plans of Inner Reform (PERls) have reached different stages. Today the plans are approximately half way towards full implementation, although it is likely that the later project stages will be implemented in a shorter time period because of the synergies generated by the process. Implementation in each quarter is currently as follows: Raval 50%, Casc Antic 30%, Barceloneta 50% and Barri Gotic 50%.

Background Information

"Ciutat Vella", historic centre of Barcelona, has a population of 87.500 inhabitants. At the end of the 1980's it had a very old population, with a substitution of native members for immigrants without resources. The socio-economic indicators showed high rates of unemployment and loss of economic activity in the centre, especially for major industries which, for many years had maintained the socio-economic stability of extensive areas. The poor urban, architectural and environmental conditions reflected a paralysis provoked by lack of planning and investment. In this context, a renovation process began in the historic centre, based on the considerations needed to halt the degradation process and integrated with renovation programmes. In the meantime, the old harbour of Barcelona was also being transformed via a maritime front project linked to the historic centre project.

Implementation

Strategy

The project was developed through six plans focusing on urbanism, housing, mobility, economic revitalization, social and cultural promotion, and citizens' security. The physical renovation was developed through Special Plans of Inner Reform (PERls). The preparation of the PERls required the application of appropriate renovation criteria and the organisation and redefinition of uses in areas of limited extension. This was achieved through residents' participation and identification with the project.

Activities

The physical renovation of the urban structure is focused on supporting the popular characteristics of the historic quarters and guarantees that residents can stay in the area; improving the spatial quality by creating new public spaces; limiting traffic to the periphery; creating pedestrian and bicycle tracks throughout the quarter; renewing the degraded areas; conserving buildings of heritage or architectural value; and improving the quality of local hotels. The creation of new housing and the rehabilitation of older housing is aimed at maintaining the existing population and preventing its replacement by immigrants. The mobility structure is implemented through a mosaic of squares and green spaces linked with streets and pedestrian areas; new lines of public transport and a visitors parking system. The Equipment Plan is implemented as an instrument that emphasizes and builds upon the substantial cultural attributes of 'Ciutat Vella'.

Partners

The program involves public operators: University, Barcelona Harbour, local and regional government, private investors, a public corporation PROCIVESA (ownership based on municipality (51%), and other administrations, private groups, infra structural services firms, shopkeepers, NGOs) in charge of planning, development and active community participation.

Analysis

Results

Administrative investment greater than 80.000 millions Pta enabled private investors to organize themselves around important public operators. All these initiatives are already giving shape to the socio-economic consolidation of the historic centre. The number and diversity of new economic activities and the number of people with diverse incomes who have decided to stay or to come to live in the historic centre are the best indicators of the success of the renovation process.

Barriers and Conflicts

Administrative conflicts that could only be solved by a clear political will arose as a result of procedural changes which generated clashes among different levels and groups. Technical implementation conflicts due to conflicts between the interests of public organisations led to the implementation of partial solutions without consideration of the wider project objectives. The lack of a comprehensive approach is evident in some developments, e.g. new housing has not been developed in accordance with sustainability criteria.

Lessons Learned

A clear will is essential when processes are complex. The success experienced so far has prompted the development of similar initiatives, for example a mixed public corporation and a pilot project focusing on mobility for the quarter's residents. The ad-hoc mixed corporation has offered flexibility and speed to the development process. Participation is fundamental. PERls need to be prepared within a general framework but implemented in a small spatial context to provide additional flexibility.

Further information

Mr. P. Cabrera
PROCIVESA
Ajuntament de Barcelona
Tel: +34 - 3 / 30 16 616
Fax: +34 - 3 / 31 87 441

References

Acknowledgement

The original text for this project summary was developed by theExpert Group on the Urban Environment (September, 1994). Revision by EURONET, 1996.

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