Ciutadella Park prepares for a historic transformation

Barcelona is moving towards a greener and more connected future with a project that will change the heart of Ciutadella Park. A new promenade that will link Ciutat Vella with the Vila Olímpica promises to revolutionize urban mobility, access to green spaces and the relationship between the surrounding neighborhoods. This ambitious project, included in the Citadel of Knowledge, aims to transform the park into a European node of knowledge, research and innovation.

A strategic access that connects neighborhoods and cultures

The new promenade will connect Wellington Street with Paseo de Picasso, integrating Ciutadella Park with its surroundings. This connection will not only facilitate transit between Ciutat Vella and the Vila Olímpica, but will also improve access to the park for thousands of citizens who until now could not enjoy direct access. In addition, it will promote a civic-cultural axis between Carbonera, Ciutadella and Icària Avenue, offering an alternative interior route that complements the seafront.

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The scale of the project is impressive: a 26,000 m² promenade with permeable materials that respect the design of the park and a minimum width of 20 meters.

The existing monumental trees will not only be preserved, but also enhanced, ensuring a green and sustainable continuity.

A more accessible park and a renovated Zoo

One of the great advantages of the new access will be the greater integration of the Barcelona Zoo with the rest of the park and the city. This emblematic space is undergoing a major transformation, focusing on animal welfare, sustainability and environmental education for children. The Zoo will not only be a place to observe animals, but also a center for outreach and experiences that connect visitors with nature.

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The walkway will have an underpass inside the Zoo, designed with ramps, stairs and vegetation to ensure an accessible and fluid experience. In addition, lighting and vegetation will be enhanced, and the space dedicated to parking will be reduced, improving the permeability of the ground.

The Citadel of Knowledge, an ambitious project

This new access is not an isolated event, but part of a broader strategy: the Citadel of Knowledge. This ambitious project seeks to turn the park and its surroundings into an international benchmark for scientific research and dissemination. Among the most important milestones are:

• The construction of a CSIC Biosciences Center.
• The rehabilitation of heritage buildings such as the Orangery and the Castell dels Tres Dragons.
• The creation of a Central Urban Library.
• The development of the former Mercat del Peix as a research complex.

With an overall investment of 290 million euros, it is expected that 80% of the project will be completed by the end of this term, and that in a decade it will become a world-class space, housing more than 2,000 researchers.

A transformation with local and international impact

This project will not only benefit the inhabitants of Barcelona, but will also position the city as a European benchmark in sustainability, biodiversity and scientific knowledge. The Ciutadella Park, already a historical and cultural icon, will gain a new meaning by becoming a meeting place for citizens, tourists, scientists and students.

When will it be ready?

The project schedule is carefully planned. In January 2025, the drafting of the executive project will begin, and construction will start in 2026 with an approximate duration of one year. The initial investment is €9 million, out of a total of €13 million.

Recovering the historical essence of the park

The access through Wellington Street is not a new idea. This walkway was part of the original design of the park, created by Josep Fontseré. However, during the 20th century, it was removed to make way for the current access to the zoo. Now, this historic structuring element will be recovered, returning the park to its original essence.

A promising future for Ciutadella

The new promenade, together with the renovation of the park, marks a before and after in the history of the Ciutadella. Improvements in paving, irrigation systems and fountains, together with the rehabilitation of buildings such as the Umbracle, ensure that this emblematic space of Barcelona will continue to be a green lung and a cultural and scientific reference. With this transformation, Ciutadella Park will not only gain in accessibility and sustainability, but will consolidate its position as a vital hub for research, biodiversity and the connection between neighborhoods.

Barcelona is taking a firm step towards the future, without forgetting its roots.