The new roadway marks the start of a new relationship between the port and its surroundings and establishes a new form of mobility, that prioritises public use of the space
This new access, which eliminates barriers and multiple levels, is the first major project to be completed as part of the transformation of the Port Olímpic
Other projects include designing the Moll de Mestral dock as a large square, redeveloping the Dic de Recer sea wall as a promenade/viewpoint and direct access to Nova Icària Beach, revamping the port and connecting it to the dynamism of the city beyond
The work to open up Port Olímpic to the city has begun. This morning, a new access point at the Moll de Mestral dock was inaugurated, a roadway designed for pedestrians and vehicles, which eliminates barriers and multiple levels, connecting the space directly with the Avinguda Litoral, near the Olympic Village neighbourhood. This new access was inaugurated during the second ‘Dissabte Blau’ (Blue Saturday), a day of activities and workshops for families, in which the public were able to see the progress made in the transformation of this space.
The budget for the construction of the access point, which began in July 2022, is 3.6 million euros. One of the objectives for this new phase, which is now becoming a reality, is to turn Port Olímpic into a space that is open to the dynamism of the city and closely connected to the day-to-day life of the surrounding area.
The new access is not merely the first step in revealing what the Port Olímpic of the near future will be like. It is also the starting point for defining a new system of internal mobility, that will contribute to creating spacious areas where the public can walk around and spend time. In line with the creation of a port with more space for people, the new roadway will allow vehicles direct access to the BSM Litoral Port car park, which is currently undergoing renovation and will be operational by mid-2024.
For the First Deputy Mayor and Chair of BSM, Laia Bonet, ‘the launch of this new access point offers Barcelona's residents a first impression of the new relationship that the Port Olímpic will have with the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and its surroundings. We want the Port Olímpic to be an urban port, a space that brings the city closer to the sea and nautical life, that encourages people to stroll, exercise and enjoy themselves; a lively and dynamic space with marine-related economic activity all year round. This is just the first step in a series of actions that will allow us to move towards a more accessible Port Olímpic, without barriers and multiple levels, and one that the people of Barcelona can truly make their own’.
More public space for strolling, exercising and enjoying the seafront
The opening of the new access point from Avinguda Litoral will pave the way for dismantling the vehicle access ramp from Carrer Marina by the end of the year. Removal of this structure will eliminate its current visual impact on the overall appearance of Port Olímpic and will free up approximately 1,000 m2 of space. This will make it easier to transform Moll de Mestral, in early 2024, into a large square covering 8,000 m2, a new urban setting with green areas, shade and seating accessible to the people of Barcelona, port users and the ecosystem of businesses that will form the blue economy hub. It will also be a space for organising activities throughout the year, making Port Olímpic a dynamic setting, committed to popularising nautical activities and promoting the sporting, civic and business fabric of the area.
However, the Moll de Mestral will not be the only space available for public use. The urban development of the Dic de Recer sea wall, which will also be completed during the first quarter of 2024, involves the design of a new seaside promenade/viewpoint that will offer two magnificent views: the Barcelona coastline on one side and the life of the port on the other. Moreover, the port’s new restaurant area will be easily accessible from the Passeig Marítim promenade, through the Gastronomic Balcony.
The final measure for increasing the permeability of Port Olímpic with its surroundings will be opening an access point to connect Nova Icària Beach with the restaurant area, in which the use of transparent materials such as glass and the construction of various stairways and elevators will also help promote dialogue between the sea, the city and life of the port. This will open in September 2024.
A transformation in progress with an eye on the America's Cup
Port Olímpic is currently at a decisive moment in its transformation. The bulk of the work is concentrated in three major areas. Firstly, at Moll de Mestral, where a significant number of the premises that will make up the blue economy hub will be inaugurated in mid-2024, along with an auditorium.
Additional premises for businesses in the blue sector are being developed along the Dic de Recer sea wall. These will also be operational by next summer. 70 storage rooms and outdoor spaces are also being renovated at this location.
At Moll de Gregal, progress is also being made on the renovation of the Municipal Sailing Centre, which will open in early summer 2024, along with the Gastronomic Balcony. The new dining area will be inaugurated to coincide with the start of the youth and women's sailing regattas of the America's Cup, competitions that will make the Port Olímpic one of the focal points of the world's largest nautical event.
Download the time lapse video of the construction of the new access: https://fromsmash.com/282YWSCkcr-ct
Download explanatory video:: https://fromsmash.com/O7EgfUu6j7-ct
