Barcelona, December 23 – The iconic La Rambla in Barcelona is set to undergo significant changes as its third renovation phase commences on January 19. This phase will focus on the central promenade, with plans to reconfigure and potentially reduce the number of restaurant terraces to create more space for pedestrians. The city council and the Restaurant Guild have begun discussions on this contentious issue.
Terrace Relocation and Space Gain
Currently, some sections of La Rambla’s central promenade offer as little as 2.5 meters of pedestrian space due to restaurant terraces. The new proposal aims to relocate these terraces to the sides, situated between tree planters, thereby freeing up a substantial 8 to 9 meters of width in the central walkway. This would represent a 33% increase in pedestrian space.
Raquel Gil, Deputy Mayor for Economic Promotion, announced that some establishments would be notified in January to temporarily suspend their licenses and clear their terrace spaces during the construction. “In some cases, the number of tables will be reduced,” Gil stated, while Roger Pallarols, director of the Restaurant Guild, emphasized that “the final number of tables and chairs has not yet been resolved.”
Impact on Businesses and Social Function
Àlex Balletbó, president of the Amics de la Rambla association, advocated for a proportional reduction if cuts are made across all establishments. He also raised concerns about potential negative social impacts of terrace removals. “Terraces serve a social function that prevents their space from being occupied by other uses such as street drinking or drug use, and they maintain a safe space for residents,” Balletbó commented.
Years ago, a count revealed 1,014 chairs on La Rambla’s terraces, compared to only 73 free public benches. Currently, there are 62 catering establishments, with half of them operating terraces.
Deputy Mayor Gil did not specify exact figures but reiterated that “a reduction will be necessary, always considering the potential impact on businesses.” She added, “We cannot land on a percentage, but there will be a reduction, with the limit of not jeopardizing viability. We are working operator by operator and based on each space, where there are different widths, metro stops, kiosks…”
Pallarols affirmed the Guild’s commitment to minimizing the impact on businesses, stating, “It’s about finding a balance that makes everything compatible: the promenade with the viability of businesses that energize the promenade.”
Regulatory Framework and Renovation Timeline
Gil underscored the city’s commitment to dialogue within the existing regulatory framework, which they do not intend to change. “When we talk about La Rambla, we talk about the residents of the street, those of the rest of the city, flowers, kiosks, cultural activity, memory, commerce, and also terraces. As a government, it is our duty to dialogue according to a regulatory framework that we do not contemplate changing and that we will enforce,” she clarified. Pallarols expressed confidence in reaching an agreement and also advocated for a homogenization of terrace aesthetics.
The director of the Guild reiterated that “there is still no agreement, but there is confidence in the future” and called for “adjustments” to the Special Plan for La Rambla, which dates back to 2016, predating the current reform project.
Raquel Gil confirmed that the renovation schedule is on track, with an expected completion date in spring 2027, just before the municipal elections in May. The central section will see interventions between Liceu and Pla de l’Os and Nou de la Rambla starting in January. Since November, the reform has been underway in the central stretch between Plaça de Catalunya and Santa Anna and Bonsuccés streets.
Source: https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2025-12-23/la-nueva-rambla-de-barcelona-reducira-las-terrazas-para-ganar-espacio-de-paseo-en-el-centro.html
