The transformation of the Vallcarca cement factory, in Sitges (Barcelona), into an audiovisual and technological hub could generate an economic impact of 315 million euros in Catalonia as a whole and lead to the creation of 4,400 jobs. This is according to a study commissioned by the construction company FCC from the consultancy Deloitte, as ACN has learned.
The analysis indicates that the implementation of companies from the ICT and audiovisual sectors, and complementary activities, would have an impact of almost 300 million, a third of which would directly revert to Sitges. It is also estimated that the hub will boost residential activity, with greater demand for rentals and more commercial and hotel activity, with an impact of about 20 million, equally distributed between Sitges and the rest of Catalonia.
FCC maintains that the project to transform the Vallcarca cement factory aims to establish itself as an "international benchmark" in "sustainable urban planning that respects the industrial and landscape heritage of the Garraf Park." In this regard, they recall that the intention is to create a large innovation district around the stream that crosses the area.
The hub proposed by the construction company would occupy 16 of the current 49 industrial hectares ---currently 20 hectares are occupied by the cement factory---. The rest of the space, they guarantee, would be integrated into the Garraf Park and infrastructure.
In addition to redeveloping the factory, FCC also proposes to reform the seafront. The intention is to transform the dock to create a port focused on the audiovisual sector and, at the same time, also recover the beach. In this way, the project as a whole seeks the implementation of companies specialized in the audiovisual, technological, and training sectors "in a space designed for residing, living, and growing economically."
To carry out this project, a change of uses in urban planning is necessary. The Sitges City Council has repeatedly defended its position in favor of changing heavy industry for a proposal based on "green and knowledge industry." The local government considers the hub a "great opportunity for economic development," although it specifies that before addressing urban changes, they will open a citizen consultation. However, the electoral calendar postpones this first step to the next legislature.