Pere Navarro, executive president of the Consorci de la Zona Franca, has proposed renaming Barcelona's Zona Franca industrial area to a "district". This change would reflect its transformation into a hub for modern industry, moving beyond its traditional image as an industrial estate.

Navarro made this suggestion during an interview on betevé's Bàsics programme. He explained, "The district is a place where the city continues beyond its urban core." He argued that industrial estates previously featured "factories and smoke", but this reality has now changed. "We must bring it closer to the city, and we are doing so," the Consorci president stated.

Modernising the Zona Franca

The DFactory, a new centre dedicated to Industry 4.0, serves as a key example of this modernisation. Its second phase of works has started, expanding the facility from its current 17,000 square metres to 60,000 square metres. This expansion will include a unique building known as "The Cube". Navarro highlighted its architectural significance, describing it as "a building of architectural singularity, like the Sagrada Família but with industry."

This vision for the Zona Franca also connects to broader infrastructure discussions. Navarro defended the need to expand Barcelona-El Prat Airport. He asserted, "Having a competitive airport will be very important," aligning with a position the Cambra de Barcelona supported earlier this week. He clarified that "expanding does not mean more tourists, but more opportunities, more professionals who want to come to Barcelona."

Governance and Future Budgets

Navarro also commented on the ongoing negotiations between Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and the Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC). These talks aim to give the Generalitat and the Ajuntament a majority stake within the Consorci de la Zona Franca. Navarro viewed this as "good news because there will be budgets." He noted the Consorci already has "very plural governance" and confirmed efforts to make this compatible with a broader participation body. These changes aim to secure the Consorci's financial stability and future projects.

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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.