Residents of Navas in Sant Andreu will begin a formal participatory process in November to discuss whether their neighbourhood should retain its current name or be renamed Torrent de la Guineu.
The process, coordinated by Barcelona City Council, is set to launch on 15 November and conclude on 31 January 2027, pending official confirmation. It follows a meeting this week between council representatives, the Torrent de la Guineu Neighbourhood Association (which supports the change), the group Navas, el nostre barri (which opposes it), and a third-party facilitator organising the engagement.
The city council will inform local residents about the upcoming process during the Navas Neighbourhood Council meeting this Wednesday afternoon.
Three Debates and Two Walks Planned
The initial plan includes three public debates and two joint walks through the neighbourhood. A first debate and a shared walk, involving both supporters and opponents of the name change, are scheduled for November.
In January, two further debates and a second walk are expected to take place, according to current projections. Throughout October, both resident groups will hold separate and joint sessions with the facilitation company to finalise activities.
The process aims to build understanding, not to hold a vote, that decision rests with the next municipal government.
The process will end with a report summarising discussions, but no consultation will be held during this phase. Municipal participation rules prohibit binding consultations within six months of an election, and local elections are due on 23 May 2027.
No Vote Planned Under Current Administration
Because of this restriction, any potential vote on the name change must be managed by the next elected city government. Regional or legislative elections after May 2027 could delay a vote further.
While the possibility remains that both sides might reach agreement without a ballot, sources close to the process say the final decision should rest with residents aged 16 and over in Navas.
Two earlier meetings between stakeholders took place on 9 July and 16 September 2026, the latter including a representative from the Barcelona Ombudsman’s Office. At the September meeting, parties agreed to present the process at this week’s Neighbourhood Council.
Reported by elperiodico.com, avvnavas.org, El Periódico Barcelona.
