Major Police Infrastructure Project Underway
Work has officially started on the transformation of the former industrial building between Ávila and Bolivia streets in Barcelona’s Sant Martí district into the new operational headquarters for the Barcelona Metropolitan Police Region. The facility will consolidate most of the region’s key police services, including command units, administrative operations, criminal investigation divisions, security coordination, and the Regional Operational Resources Area (ARRO), according to the Department of Interior of the Generalitat.
27.9 Million Euro Sustainable Renovation
The project carries a total budget of €27.9 million, with €16.2 million allocated specifically for energy efficiency measures co-financed by 40% through the FEDER Program of Catalonia 2021–2027. Once completed, the building will expand from its current 12,700 square metres to 13,695.55 square metres, combining rehabilitated spaces with new construction.
The new volumes, interior courtyards, and open spaces should also improve the building's environmental and working conditions and facilitate its integration with the 22@ environment.
Nearly Zero-Energy Design Features
Designed as a nearly zero-energy building, the renovated headquarters will connect to the Districlima urban heating and cooling network, install green roofs, and incorporate photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy. The exterior will feature ceramic louver cladding to reduce solar radiation and high-efficiency thermal insulation systems. The design prioritises low-impact materials and reduced energy demand. The intervention will preserve the main nave of the original structure while adding a new attached volume 20 metres deep. An internal passage will link all areas, improving accessibility via new elevators, stairs, and transport systems from Bolivia Street.
Phased Construction, Delayed Timeline
Although initial plans suggested a 2027 completion, the current timeline now targets 2029. The contract was divided into two lots, worth €17 million and €11 million, with work on the first lot scheduled to last 30 months starting October 2024, and the second beginning in October 2025 with an 18-month duration. This comprehensive overhaul responds to long-standing demands for modernised infrastructure capable of supporting the growing operational needs of the Mossos d’Esquadra in metropolitan Barcelona. Residents and businesses in the 22@ innovation district can expect ongoing construction activity over the coming years, though no major road closures have been announced.
Primary sources: Dep. Interior Generalitat Catalunya, mossos.gencat.cat, govern.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by elperiodico.com, lavanguardia.com, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, metropoliabierta.cat, europapress.es, ara.cat, elpais.com, El Periódico Barcelona.
