The new entrance connecting Plaça Gardunya to the grounds of the old Sant Pau hospital in Barcelona's Raval district is now practically ready, marking a key step in the city's urban regeneration plans. The project, costing approximately €820,000, creates a 535-square-metre public passageway between the rear of La Boqueria market and the historic hospital complex via the former Massana school site. Work on the passage began in 2025 and was part of the broader rehabilitation plan for the old Hospital de la Santa Creu, as outlined in the Barcelona City Council's 2023–2027 Action Plan. The new entrance will serve as a third access point to the Rubió i Lluch gardens, alongside existing entrances on Carrer del Hospital and Carrer del Carme.

Revitalisation and Resident Concerns

The project forms part of Mayor Jaume Collboni’s efforts to revitalise the Liceu al Seminari urban development initiative, originally conceived during the tenure of former mayor Pasqual Maragall. The connection was also foreseen in earlier plans under mayor Xavier Trias, aimed at transforming the market’s rear car park. Despite progress, the project has faced delays of several months. Local residents have expressed concerns about the social dynamics of Plaça Gardunya, which has become a gathering spot for tourists eating market-bought paella and for homeless individuals drinking during the day. Some fear that linking the square with the cultural and scientific institutions around the old hospital may spread existing problems rather than resolve them.

The new passage is intended to create new public flows and improve access, but we must ensure it enhances coexistence, not tension.

The city administration maintains that this intervention, alongside other projects like the Rambla reform, will improve urban life in the area. The full transformation of the old hospital site, with a total budget of €5.7 million, is expected to be completed by 2027.

Sources: La Vanguardia, Ajuntament de Barcelona.