A Verde lung on top of a former gray lung. This is what is proposed by the project approved by the City Council that seeks to convert the facilities known as ‘Isla Citroën’, the brand’s former factory, into a large urban park in the Bordeta neighborhood of Sants-Montjuïc. Located in one of the densest districts this new project could become a much-needed Verde lung for the Zone.
This agreement has its origin in an agreement between the municipal government and Stellantis España SL, which establishes the basis for a specific modification of the General Metropolitan Plan. The modification will allow the urban renewal of an area that goes beyond the 19,000 m² of the ‘Citroën Island’, covering nearly 35,500 m².
Public housing and green spaces
In addition to the urban park , this project will include some 210 new apartments, public and commercial facilities, the expansion of the Cavall Bernat school and improved connectivity between neighborhoods and with L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. For the time being, it is expected that the area dedicated to Verde zones will be more than 21,000 m².
The strengths of this project will be, mainly, the creation of a large Verde space that will give these neighborhoods a respite from their high population concentration, in addition to improving connectivity and accessibility between this new park and the Jardins de la Rambla de Sants. Along the same lines, the creation of this space will facilitate the ticket to the Santa Eulàlia metro and improve the area’s connectivity and pedestrian mobility, currently hindered by the ‘Citröen Island’ facilities in operation.
The site will also have about 3,000 square meters for public and community facilities . This will be achieved by changing the soil classification. In addition, the plan contemplates the possibility of creating green areas in the form of ramps to overcome the height differences between the railroad zone and the new Verde area.
Another relevant aspect of the project is the construction of a residential Zone. Approximately 45% of the available space will be used for public rental housing and 55% for private real estate developments. This means that about 100 public housing units and 110 private housing units could be built, in total about 210 apartments. Approximately 1,800 square meters on the first floor of these buildings will also be used for business and commercial activities.
This new development plan is expected to be initially approved during the fall of 2024, and then proceed with the necessary paperwork and licensing to get the transformation underway. During this process, the Stellantis facilities will remain operational, offering the usual automotive services.