Expropriation launched for Gràcia social housing project
The Barcelona City Council has initiated expropriation proceedings for the property at Travessia Sant Antoni 14, a key step toward building 14 protected apartments and expanding Plaça Anna Frank in the Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood. The Official Gazette of the Province published the notice on Thursday 15 October, identifying the Iglésia Evangélica Pleno Evangelio as the owner of the 147-square-metre building. The document confirms the entire property will be expropriated and notes an occupant resides on the first floor.
Project rooted in local demand and 2025 budget agreement
The social housing development responds to a long-standing community request. Though first proposed in 2018 under the MPGM Rambla de Prat urban plan, progress stalled until the 2025 municipal budget agreement between the PSC and ERC unlocked funding. Unlike other developments tied to the contested MPGM 2022 plan, this project does not depend on it, meaning legal challenges to that plan will not affect its progress. The investment forms part of a broader 19.72 million euro package for 58 district-level projects agreed in budget negotiations with Esquerra Republicana (ERC), as confirmed by the city council’s Info Barcelona portal.
Plaza expansion already underway
Work began in 2023 with the demolition of the building closest to Plaça Anna Frank, allowing the plaza to expand provisionally. The current expropriation targets the second and final block needed to complete the site. Once acquired, the land will enable the full delivery of the 14 protected apartments, a central aim of the local urban regeneration effort in this part of Gràcia.
The agreement between PSC and ERC for the 2025 municipal budgets unblocked it, as the pact included continuing the initiated project.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by independent.cat, CENDOJ.
