Residents Voice Safety Concerns

Tenants of a public housing complex at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 924–926, in the Provençals del Poblenou neighbourhood of Sant Martí, are demanding urgent action from Barcelona City Council over deteriorating conditions. The building, constructed in 1984 by the Municipal Housing Board, currently houses around 80 protected units and has seen persistent issues including water leaks during rain, visible cracks in walls, and repeated elevator failures. "We're afraid the building will collapse," said resident Mònica, reflecting widespread anxiety among neighbours.

Wider Problems Reported

Residents report additional structural and safety concerns. The top floor of the building’s parking garage has been closed due to groundwater flooding. Apartment windows are made of wood and provide poor insulation, while street-level entrance doors do not close properly. Several tenants said they have repeatedly found people sleeping in stairwells, raising security concerns. Vanessa, another resident, stated that formal complaints have been submitted to the Municipal Housing Institute (IMHAB) since 2021, but many remain unresolved. "There are requests from 2021 that remain unresolved," she said.

IMHAB Responds with Maintenance Data

In response, sources from IMHAB told local outlet betevé that 314 maintenance, conservation, and monitoring work orders have been managed at the building since January 2021. These include 15 elevator repairs and a full renovation of communal lighting scheduled for completion in 2025. Regarding the recent leak reports, IMHAB confirmed that a work order is open and the repair is currently in progress. The broader housing strategy for the city includes a €22 million agreement between the Catalan government and Barcelona City Council to build 1,151 protected homes by 2027, though this project does not include renovations at the Gran Via 924–926 site. More details on the housing agreement are available on the Barcelona City Council website.

Sources: betevé, Ajuntament de Barcelona.