Memory organisations in Sants–Badal are calling for a halt to the imminent demolition of Can Fisas, a century-old building at the corner of Carrer Roger and Carrer Fisas, until a technical assessment can be carried out. The structure lies within the Juan de Sada development area, where long-planned urban regeneration aims to replace disused buildings with social housing and green spaces.

Raquel Gil, councilor for the Sants–Montjuïc District, confirmed that a demolition permit has been granted and stated the building has no heritage protection under current planning rules. "It's an old building, but it's not protected," she said, noting that both the existing zoning plan and the latest subdivision project foresee its removal to enable redevelopment.

The district plans to use the site for public housing, community facilities, and green areas, breaking with what Gil described as a long period of urban degradation. She acknowledged the city's complex historical layers but stressed that demolition does not preclude documentation of the site's past.

Historical Uncertainty Over Can Fisas

Patrimonis Invisibles, a local heritage group, has raised concerns over the lack of on-site analysis before demolition. Eloi Curto, a member of the organisation, explained that historical records show the site was once home to the Fisas estate, a well-to-do farmhouse dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One image from the municipal archive shows an ostentatious farmhouse built after a wealthier branch of the family replaced an earlier rural structure.

However, the current building does not match that farmhouse and likely dates from the 1920s. "We understand that they demolished the previous farmhouse or, at least, a part of it, and perhaps there are still wall remnants from the old farmhouse," Curto said.

"We have scarce information; it's like an unresolved puzzle,"

The group is requesting access to the building and garden with district officials and specialists to assess any remaining heritage elements. They cite possible remnants of an old well and century-old trees visible from the street that should be preserved.

Neighbourhood Memory and Urban Plans

While Patrimonis Invisibles supports urban improvement, it urges authorities not to proceed with demolition until a full assessment is completed. The organisation also highlights the importance of preserving the Carreró de les Ànimes, a historic path that the current plan would close off, turning it into a dead-end street for the first time.

The Juan de Sada redevelopment was approved in 2009 under former mayor Jordi Hereu, following a modification of the Metropolitan General Plan (PGM), but without resident participation, according to the Association of Neighbours of Badal, Brasil and La Bordeta (avbadal.blogspot.com). The plan increased housing density and overlooked key community requests, including the preservation of a civil war shelter beneath Carrer Juan de Sada.

As of Monday 9th November 2026, no demolition work has begun. Residents and campaigners await confirmation of whether the district will allow the requested visit before proceedings move forward.

Sources: El 3 (el3.cat), avbadal.blogspot.com, memoriadesants.blogspot.com.