X Summit Barcelona Oberta – 21 October, Casa Seat

Manifesto: More for Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella is the heart of Barcelona. But this heart beats with difficulty. To restore its vitality, dignity and hope, we propose a ten-point action plan to transform the city centre into a vibrant, safe and attractive space for everyone.

1. An agile and modern administration A profound reform of public administration is needed to simplify and accelerate bureaucracy. Ideas and projects cannot be allowed to die in red tape. We need a City Council that supports, not hinders.

2. Drive for strategic projects We call for the green light to be given to the development of the Four Seasons Hotel in the Bank of Spain building on Plaça Catalunya. Repurposing iconic buildings is an opportunity to revitalise the city centre and attract quality investment.

3. Promotion of new commercial and cultural offerings and new economies In collaboration with the real estate sector, a strategy must be developed to attract new operators and strengthen the commercial mix, making Ciutat Vella a diverse, active and sustainable hub of attraction.

4. Accessibility for all Ciutat Vella must be accessible to residents, workers, customers, visitors from the metropolitan area and public services alike. Public and private transport access to Ciutat Vella must be guaranteed to prevent it from becoming isolated. Intelligent planning of flows and access points is essential.

5. Safety and cleanliness as a priority Without public order, there is no coexistence or commerce. We advocate for a constant and coordinated presence of security and cleaning services to ensure a dignified and safe urban life.

6. Revitalisation of landmark buildings New life must be breathed into historic landmark buildings that have been closed for decades. To name but a few: the Old Customs House, the New Customs House, the Teatre Principal, the Bank of Spain, the Palau Dalmases, Metrònom (1918), the Castell dels Tres Dragons, the Provincial Court of Justice, the Cannon Foundry, the Capitol and the Palau del Cinema.

The PEUAT must allow for new uses to be given to historic buildings, particularly by converting them into distinctive hotels that highlight the heritage and identity of the neighbourhood.

7. A Land Use Plan with freedom The current Land Use Plan requires a thorough review. We must move from prohibition to trust: fewer restrictions, greater freedom to undertake, innovate and create responsible economic activity.

8. Genuine public-private collaboration The recovery of Ciutat Vella will only be possible if institutions, businesses and citizens work together. A new, stable framework for collaboration and shared responsibility is needed.

9. Freedom of commercial opening hours We advocate for freedom of opening hours on Sundays and public holidays in the city centre, in order to respond to the rhythm of the city and offer opportunities to traders and visitors alike.

10. A new Procivesa for the 21st century We propose the creation of a new Procivesa that brings together public and private stakeholders in a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction and revitalisation of Ciutat Vella — a powerful instrument to coordinate investment, management and urban transformation.

More life, more future, more Ciutat Vella. Barcelona deserves a city centre that once again becomes its pride and its soul.