The transformation of the Tres Xemeneies del Paral·lel in Barcelona is closer. The conversion of this complex has passed its initial processing in the City Council plenary session this Friday. Thus, the urban future of the space has been unlocked, on the border between Raval and Poble-sec.
The two abandoned buildings of the complex will become offices and the headquarters of the Barcelona Emergency Operational Coordination Center (Cecor). The objective of this action is to revitalize this environment and regenerate the gardens in the area to promote them as a green space. With this action, it is also intended to combat security problems that the area currently suffers.
For this reason, it is planned to redevelop the square continuous to the buildings to avoid hidden and poorly visible areas. The works in this space, which are expected to be completed during this term, will also include the demolition of the wall located in the square, frequented by graffiti artists. The City Council proposes that the environment maintain a space for urban art, which will be relocated within the new square.
This initially approved plan stems from the agreement announced in February with the owner of the two empty buildings, Conren Tramway, who bought them in 2017. With this agreement reached in the last term, the two buildings, empty for more than a decade, will house an emergency center and also offices.
Current regulations only allow facilities and offices of companies linked to the supply of essential services in this area, such as electricity, gas, water and telecommunications, so it does not contemplate locating offices. For this reason, the City Council is processing this reconversion of the use of the properties, with the aim that they can house offices.
As counterparts to the change of use of the buildings carried out by the City Council, the council obtains ownership of one of the buildings, where it will locate the Cecor. In addition, the remodeling of the gardens will be promoted, with an investment of 2.7 million euros, and the city will obtain 6.6 million, which will be allocated to facilities and affordable housing.