Barcelona definitively begins the executive project for the redevelopment of the Jardinets de Gràcia, specifically on the Llobregat side and the bike lane on the Besòs side. The project contemplates the intervention in an area of 2,715 square meters to improve the public space and the connection with the Diagonal Avenue.
The intervention in this area will pacify and provide continuity to the central boulevard of the Jardinets with the sidewalk on the Llobregat side, thus eliminating the traffic lanes in the sea direction and gaining more space for pedestrians to stay and pass through. The space now occupied by the roadway will become a single platform for pedestrians only, leaving only the authorized circulation for the exit of the underground parking.
The alignment of the sidewalk with the Diagonal traffic circle will also be modified to improve the connection between the two areas. The action includes the creation of flowerbeds and the placement of new street furniture, with new straight precast concrete benches and 10 benches and 17 wooden slatted chairs.
On the Besòs side, the intervention will focus on improving the bicycle connection between the Eixample and Gràcia at this point. The current bike lane that goes up Jardinets and gives continuity to those who ride along Diagonal and Passeig de Gràcia is currently cut off right at the beginning of the area. The proposed intervention will correct this by extending the bike lane 47 meters to Bonavista street and thus connect with the interior of the Vila de Gràcia.
1.46 million euros will be allocated and the works are expected to start at the end of the year, with an estimated duration of six months.
Farewell to the “Arda Turan” bench
The works will make a curious tourist “spot” of the city disappear, the “Arda Turan” bench, a wooden bench that became famous in Turkey thanks to a photo that the former Barça player took there having a coffee after a meal at a Japanese restaurant, Parco, where he usually went.
The City Council has not considered the bench to be a sufficiently memorable souvenir and will make it disappear with the renovation.