L'Hospitalet de Llobregat has unveiled the first phase of its new green axis in the Santa Eulàlia neighbourhood, transforming Palmeras Square into a pedestrian-first public space with expanded greenery, play areas and climate-resilient design. The project, part of a long-term plan to address the city’s historical lack of green space, covers 22,375 square metres and was delivered at a cost of €2.32 million, co-financed by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB).
The local council led the project’s design and construction oversight, focusing on improving accessibility, prioritising pedestrians and strengthening links between the square and the Pompeu Fabra school. More than 75 new trees have been planted, and pergolas installed to create shaded rest areas that will mature as vegetation grows in the coming years, according to a council statement.
Enhanced Play and Public Use
The children’s play area has nearly tripled in size, now occupying 1,235 square metres in a central location facing the school. It replaces two older zones that totalled just 420 square metres. The redesign followed participatory input from the school community and local residents.
A new feature includes eight button-activated water jets embedded in the pavement, operational daily from 10am to 8pm during warmer months to help residents cool off. Petanque courts have been relocated to the parking area on Pi i Margall street, where surfacing and vehicle access have also been improved.
Traffic Calming and Future Phases
Rosell Street, part of Narcís Monturiol Street, and inter-block spaces on Badalona Street have been converted into single-level zones with pedestrian priority. On Mestre Carbó Street, the pavement outside Escola Pompeu Fabra has been widened to improve connectivity between the school and the expanded square.
The goal is to create a continuous arboreal corridor linking La Torrassa Park with Europa Square, a 15-minute walk, though full completion depends on the future undergrounding of the train line at La Torrassa.
While this first phase is complete, further stages of the green axis remain to be tendered. The council intends to replicate similar green corridors across L'Hospitalet, connecting existing parks and green spaces citywide.
Reported by elperiodico.com, Àlex Rebollo, urbannext.net, El Periódico Barcelona.
