The Plaza de las Glorias is entering its final phase after starting in 2014 with the demolition of the road drum. These works have become a constant debate due to continuous delays and cost increases. However, the current government of Jaume Collboni has intensified the construction with the objective of finishing it before the end of the year. According to the timetable that the City Council is handling, the inauguration of the Plaza de las Glorias could coincide with the opening of the extension of the tramway along Diagonal to Verdaguer, which will take place this November.
The state of the works
At the moment, the construction of the Gran Clariana has been completed and is having great success. In addition, the road tunnels, the redevelopment of the surroundings of the subway, and various facilities such as the Design Museum and the Encants have been finished. Nevertheless, there are still things to be done, such as the Canopia tramway area, the extension of the L1 metro vestibule, the central area of the square, the urbanization of the Gran Via coverage, and the housing developments. There are several things still to be built, but Daniel Mòdil, the former councillor for architecture of the city government, believes that it is possible that the Plaza de las Glorias works will be finished this year, as they are already well advanced.
The Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, Laia Bonet, indicates that ‘by 2025 Glorias will be a new city and metropolitan centre, a mirror of the Barcelona we want, with more housing and facilities that prioritizes sustainable mobility and have a clear metropolitan vocation’. After the demolition of the road drum and the undergrounding of the Gran Vía, four public housing buildings were built, in which 800 residents live in 238 flats. Moreover, in the environmental field, it is expected that 472 trees will have been planted by the end of construction, with 9,000 square meters of green space. All these modifications will completely change the Plaza de las Glorias, which has been immersed in a process of transformation for a decade.
La Gran Clariana of the Plaza de las Glorias
Opened in 2019, it is a large esplanade of one hectare of grass. It has been designed as a multi-space that invites the public to enjoy nature and relax. It is considered a green and environmental lung in the middle of the city. For this reason, this environment has certain peculiarities that make it different from other parks in Barcelona, especially in terms of maintenance, activities and uses. Since their inauguration, they have been offering sun loungers for public use in the outdoor area, managed by a company that provides employment integration services. It also has some tables, chairs, umbrellas and a book exchange point. An emblematic place of the Plaza de las Glorias, which attracts hundreds of people who want to relax in a spot full of nature.
The doubts
During the entire work process, 640 million euros have been invested in the constructions. This amount is highly criticized by the neighbours, who are tired of all the work and are waiting impatiently for the end. The question is whether it will arrive before the end of 2024. The City Council is transmitting the message that it will be achieved. However, many people have their doubts and believe that it will not be until next year. What is clear is that we will have the answer in less than two months. At the moment, the works continue with the goal of seeing the Plaza de las Glorias completely renovated a decade later after the construction began.
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