Barcelona opens a new civic space in the island-sized port of Eixample

BarcelonaStarting this Friday, Barcelona has gained a new civic space the size of an island in the Eixample district. And, what's more, right on the seafront. Citizens who wish to do so will be able to see a new perspective of the city's waterfront from the Barcelona Nord dock, until now closed to the public. This is the part of the dock that lies on the north side of the World Trade Center, on the waterfront opposite the Maremagnum.

In total, there are 13,565 square meters that the Mayor of Barcelona, ​​Jaume Collboni, and the President of the Port, José Alberto Carbonell, have framed as part of the desire for Barcelona residents to gradually reclaim the city's coastline. In this case, those who approach the dock will find a new view of the city and an opportunity to walk through areas that were previously closed to the public, but also a still-provisional space, with virtually no street furniture or shade. The goal is to complete the renovation next year, with a comprehensive pavement renovation to integrate the area around Port Vell into the urban planning process and make it more accessible.

Collboni emphasized that the City Council's goal is for "things to happen" in this space, citing as an example the possibility of hosting events held in the city and the port, such as Catalan Book Week or Christmas in the Port. The mayor added that the project is linked to other projects underway in the city, such as the renovation of the Rambla. "We would like the Rambla to end here," he said.

Both Collboni and Carbonell emphasized that the idea is to attract Barcelona residents to this part of the port, a local audience that has been leaving this area. In this regard, Collboni emphasized that this is a space "conquered" by the City Council and the Port so that Barcelona residents can once again stroll along its waterfront. The Port of Barcelona is launching its new dock with a series of open days this weekend featuring activities for all ages, including children's workshops, musical performances, and food courts.

Occupied for the America's Cup

This pier, which at the beginning of the 20th century had been the point from which many Catalans left for America, had become vacant after the cruise terminal located in the northern area was permanently closed in the autumn of 2023 and cruise and ferry activity was moved to the Adossat pier. It was later occupied by the New Zealand America's Cup delegation, but once this team left, and the initial provisional redevelopment was completed, it was able to open to the public.

According to the schedule, the south terminal will also stop receiving cruise ships by the end of 2026. Carbonell has stated that this will happen "with all certainty" in the last quarter of 2026, when the cruise season ends. "In November, or perhaps there will be a stopover in December," he stated. In any case, he has guaranteed that in 2027 "no cruise ships will dock" in this area.