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Sant Adrià to transform a Telefónica building into housing for older people
Sant Adrià de Besòs is preparing to transform a former Telefónica building into a block of affordable, adapted flats for older people. The project will restore a deteriorated property in the centre and expand a public housing stock that is currently insufficient given the residential pressure in the metropolitan area.
The City Council is finalising the purchase of the former technical centre, located next to the town hall and the CAP Doctor Barraquer. The acquisition price is estimated at between 1.5 and 2 million euros, which will initially be financed with municipal resources.
The deal has not yet been formalised, so the final cost and timeline may change. Once the purchase is complete, the plan is to demolish the current building and construct a new one, mainly intended for supported housing.
The flats will be designed for older people, with no architectural barriers and rents below usual market rates. There are also plans to include communal spaces and support or telecare services to help residents live independently without leaving their familiar surroundings.
The number of homes has not yet been determined, although the council aims for a significant capacity. The location will allow future residents to be close to healthcare services, shops, transport, and municipal facilities.
The new building will also set aside part of its space for citizen services. It has not yet been decided which services will be moved there, although the municipal plan had already proposed expanding activities linked to the CAP and strengthening facilities in the centre.
The most optimistic forecast puts project completion in 2030. Before that, the purchase, demolition, project drafting, and search for funding for works with an as-yet undefined budget must be completed.
Sant Adrià and Badalona have included the project in their joint application to the Pla de Barris of the Generalitat. Both municipalities hope to secure around 25 million euros to develop 27 projects in their border areas, including the demolition of the building and preparation of the site.
The change will bring new life to a building that has been closed for years in one of the most central spots in Sant Adrià. Where there is now an empty, deteriorated property, the municipality plans to create housing, public services, and a concrete response to its ageing population.