Barcelona Starts Poble-sec Sports Centre Build

Work Begins on New Local Sports Facility

The Barcelona City Council has begun construction of a new municipal sports centre in the Poble-sec neighbourhood, marking the start of the first phase of redevelopment at the former Pavilion 2 of Fira de Barcelona. The project, which responds to decades of local demand, will transform 3,450 m² of interior space into a modern sports facility.

Facility Features and Timeline

The upgraded centre will include two multi-sport courts compliant with standards set by the Catalan Sports Council (Consell Català de l’Esport) for handball, basketball, futsal and volleyball. Each court will have regulation markings and appropriate equipment such as goals and hoops. The renovation also includes fireproofing the roof’s metal structure, installing wooden sports flooring, and building essential support areas: an entrance lobby, storage rooms, a shared medical room, cleaning area, four toilets and a new internal staircase. Funded with a budget of nearly €3 million, the first phase is scheduled to run from September 2026 to spring 2027. Once complete, the facility will host training sessions and events. A second phase will later add changing rooms, spectator seating and other complementary spaces.

Relocation of Italy Pavilion Clubs

The new centre will house sports clubs currently using the Italy Pavilion, which is set to be demolished. The transfer ensures continuity for local teams while freeing up land for future urban development on Montjuïc. Residents and sports organisations in the Sants-Montjuïc district have long advocated for better local facilities. This project represents a significant step in improving access to public sports infrastructure in one of Barcelona’s most densely populated areas.