The UB tracks on Diagonal are positioned as the best option to relocate the Clínic

The relocation of Hospital Clínic to gain more space is an issue that has been unresolved for more than 20 years. Its current location, in Eixample Esquerra, became too small a long time ago, in addition to being outdated, considering that it was conceived at the beginning of the 20th century. After several failed proposals to move it, last February a commission made up of administrations and experts was created to evaluate the possible new locations that the center could have.

Months late, the commission has concluded that the sports service courts of the University of Barcelona (UB), on Diagonal, are the best location to move the Clínic, to the detriment of the other locations that have been analyzed. The other options evaluated have been the old Fire Station on Provença street, next to the hospital's current location; the premises of the Industrial School; the old Modelo prison; the Maternitat premises, where the Clínic currently provides several services such as maternal and child care and ophthalmology; the Plaza Espanya premises of Fira de Barcelona, and the Bruc Barracks on Diagonal. It has also been contemplated to maintain and develop the Hospital Clínic in its location on Villarroel street, acting on the existing building to make it more functional.

It is estimated that Hospital Clínic requires a total of 250,000 square meters to meet current and future growth needs, and, of all the options on the table, only the university courts have enough capacity to make it possible. It is also the only space that would allow concentrating healthcare, teaching, and research activity in the same area, configuring a multidisciplinary health park, a model currently preferred in the medical sector, both nationally and internationally.

Other options on the table were the Industrial School, the old Modelo prison, the Plaza Espanya premises of Fira de Barcelona, or the Bruc Barracks

The sports fields have drawbacks, such as the need to make compensations to the UB and the current insufficiency of access infrastructures, both by private vehicle and public transport. Despite this, experts indicate that the location would allow for continuous traffic and the placement of a stable ambulance base, as well as a helipad.

New stage

The commission created in February is made up of representatives of the affected administrations, Generalitat, Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Provincial Council. Architect Ramon Sanabria and doctor Ramon Canal are also part of it, and they have been in charge of explaining this Thursday the conclusions of the study on the possible destinations of the Clínic. Both have extensive professional experience. Sanabria is endorsed by having designed the Olot and Comarcal de la Garrotxa Hospital and the Dexeus Clinic, while Canal has been part of the Hospital General de Catalunya, the Mútua de Terrassa Hospital and the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, and currently works at Fútbol Club Barcelona, as director of Sports Science and Medical Services.

Once the conclusions of the report are known, it has been agreed to create a new working team before the end of the year to carry out an in-depth study on the most optimal space for the relocation. It will be made up of representatives of the Hospital Clínic and the UB. The rector of the UB, Joan Guàrdia, was present at the presentation of this Thursday's study.