The roadmap for the transformation of the space and new uses connected to maritime activities, the blue economy and gastronomy has now been launched, with a view to making the port more accessible to Barcelona’s residents and more integrated in the surrounding area
This confirms the commitment to making the Olympic Port the city’s first blue economy centre, playing host to educational, outreach and recreational activities connected to life at sea, with companies and entrepreneurs from other areas of the blue sectors
The plan consolidates gastronomic activities at the Moll de Gregal wharf, where the “Gastronomic Balcony”, a new model for restaurants and catering will be developed
Another step in the transformation of the Olympic Port. The City Council Government Commission has launched the Olympic Port Special Urban Development and Use Plan with a view to moving towards a city space without barriers, that is better connected, promotes the blue economy and gastronomy, and democratises access to maritime activities. The document represents the framework for the new phase of the process that the Olympic Port has been immersed in since the City Council having assumed responsibility for managing it in 2020. Since then, Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (B:SM) has led the transformation that is turning the Olympic Port into a space for city residents.
The new special plan updates the one drawn up in 2006 and addresses issues like the Olympic Port perimeter, building regulations and the urban uses it needs. To that end, it include activities that may be undertaken in each area of the Port and establishes the measures and criteria needed to ensure proper planning of public space, the balance with the surrounding area and respect for the environment.
In short, it sets out the planning required to make the Port accessible to local residents and in harmony with the surrounding area, where economic activity linked to the sea can be performed in a renovated public space of high quality.
A dynamic Port with local residents at the centre
The plan spans an area of 180,925 m², of which 103,561 m² correspond to port infrastructure, including the Moll de Mestral, Moll de la Marina, Moll de Gregal and Moll de Xaloc wharfs and the Dic de Recer breakwater, and the other 77,363 m² to the sheltered water surface. It also provides for a built-up area of 32,700 m2.
The special plan confirms the City Council’s commitment to maritime activities, the blue economy and the restaurant trade as the central pillars of activity at the new Olympic Port. Regarding the latter, it limits gastronomic activities to the Moll de Gregal, where the Gastronomic Balcony, a new model for restaurants and catering, will be consolidated.
In the case of the blue economy, the plan encourages educational, outreach and recreational activities so city residents will return to the Olympic Port and children and adults alike will have a closer relationship with the sea. Entrepreneurs and companies dedicated to maritime activities will also be encouraged to set up in the port, as well as companies that promote innovation, research and the circular economy in the blue sectors.
Furthermore, it emphasises the improvements to make the Port a more accessible space, such as the construction of new access points to the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and the beach, as well as the creation of public space designed especially for walking, sitting and doing sport. To that end, work is progressing well on the new Ronda Litoral access, adapting premises on the Moll de Mestral wharf and developing the Dic de Recer breakwater, while the work to renovate the Sailing Centre have been put out to tender.
The special plan also insists on the need to facilitate the presence of greenery and commit to renewable energies and waste management, in addition to measures to combat climate change and increase the commitment to sustainability.