One in three offices contracted in Barcelona in 2024 is in 22@

The 22@ has regained muscle and remains positioned as a key area for the office market in the Catalan capital. So much so that in 2024 it concentrated 31% of the offices contracted in Barcelona, in a year in which it exceeded 93,000 square meters contracted, surpassing forecasts and doubling the figure of the previous year.

The Barcelona technological district captured a third of the contracts in the Catalan capital despite the fact that its offices represent 21% of the total stock of the city. The 22@ reached these figures after a 2023 marked by sluggishness in the office market not only in Barcelona, but at a European level, which was already reversed in 2024 in the district.

The recovery of the pace has also been noted in investment: the 22@ attracted a direct investment of 26 million euros in offices in 2024, in addition to 32 million in land operations, according to the Transparency 22@ report, presented within the framework of a 22@Breakfast session organized by 22@Network Barcelona.

Furthermore, during the past year, the availability rate in the district was reduced, where it fell from 22.5% to 19.3%. This decrease occurred in line with the general trend of the city, in which it fell from 10.2% to 9.1%, as detailed by the president of the Urban Planning and Territory Commission of 22@Network, Javier Bernades.

To shorten these availability rates, the quality of the offices has been crucial: 90% of the contracted space has been in buildings of the best categories, as highlighted by the director of the office sector at Cushman & Wakefield.

While improving its existing office park, the district continues to develop, with 90,000 square meters currently under construction and with the forecast of adding nine new projects before the end of 2026. In addition, the prospects are optimistic for 2025, with the forecast of a rebound in investor demand, especially from international capital and family offices.

This expansion of the district's office park must be accompanied by the promotion of an ecosystem that provides vitality to 22@, improving the balance between offices and housing, commerce, and public and leisure spaces. "The city model promoted by 22@ not only seeks to attract investment and talent, but also aims to generate a sustainable, balanced, and functional environment for companies, workers, and residents," remarked the president of 22@Network Barcelona, Susana Prado.

"22@ has a great opportunity ahead to consolidate itself as a reference district not only in the business field, but also as a complete and attractive urban environment," added Bernades. And, in a subsequent round table, he emphasized the need for "more restaurants and other services that make 22@ a more attractive place to live and work."

In a debate with the Urban Planning Manager of the City Council, David Martínez, and the Business Director of Colonial, Albert Alcober, Martínez claimed that "22@ continues to be a strategic project for Barcelona and for all the city's stakeholders." For his part, Alcober advocated for 22@ to continue growing by taking advantage of its proximity to the center of Barcelona, with the aim that the district continues to act as a key piece of the Catalan capital.