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New affordable homes in Barceloneta amid the debate over tourist pressure
Barcelona has handed over 13 affordable rental homes on paseo Joan de Borbó, in the heart of La Barceloneta neighbourhood. The action, promoted by Barcelona City Council, forms part of its strategy to expand protected housing in one of the areas most affected by tourist pressure.
The fully refurbished building has 18 flats. Most have been allocated to affordable rental housing, while some have been reserved for social organisations and for a former resident with a right to return. Prices are below market level, in an area where access to housing is especially difficult.
During the handover of the keys, Mayor Jaume Collboni highlighted the need to speed up the creation of protected housing and reiterated the aim of eliminating tourist flats in the coming years in order to recover residential space.
The refurbishment of the building, which is protected for its heritage value, has been carried out with European Next Generation funds. The project combines architectural conservation with new housing solutions, adapting the building to current needs without losing its identity.
With this operation, the City Council continues to expand its public housing stock and reinforces Ciutat Vella's role as one of the key districts in this strategy.
In a neighbourhood like Barceloneta, where tourism has profoundly transformed the use of space, every new affordable home has a direct impact on everyday life. Beyond the figures, projects of this kind reflect an attempt to rebalance the urban model, maintaining the character of the neighbourhood and ensuring that it remains a liveable place for those who call it home.