The works for the first phase of the renovation of the Montjuïc exhibition centre have begun with the demolition of Pavilions 4 and Congress. Mayor Collboni and Councillor Romero have visited the site.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, and the Councillor for Economy and Finance of the Generalitat, Alícia Romero, visited the works for the first phase of the renovation of the Montjuïc exhibition centre. The delegation, led by the managing director of Fira 2000, Albert Civit, observed the start of the demolitions of Pavilions 4 and Congress, where the future multifunctional palace will be built.
Collboni highlighted that this is “the third major transformation of the Montjuïc mountain,” which includes the renovation of Fira de Barcelona to make it “more urban, on a more human scale, and to reconnect the neighbourhoods of Poble Sec and Font de la Guatlla.” The mayor emphasised that the aim is to “guarantee the right to remain in the city of Barcelona,” which implies economic opportunities and affordable housing: “it allows us to create a city in what was the area of Fira de Barcelona with 548 more protected homes in the new Poble Sec, a new health centre, and a new sports complex.”
Councillor Romero described the initiative as “very important from an urban planning perspective” and noted that it represents “a very significant investment to continue betting on an urban fair that is closely integrated with the city of Barcelona.” Additionally, she highlighted that the renovation will modernise the venue and “project the city internationally” through congress and meeting tourism.
The demolition works have begun with the installation of a 200-ton crane with an arm of up to 60 metres, one of the largest in Europe. The demolished concrete will be reused in the construction of the new multifunctional palace, a monumental complex of 20,500 square metres spread over two floors, designed by architects Smiljan Radić (recent winner of the Pritzker Prize), Miquel Mariné Núñez, Beatriz Borque, and Cesar Rueda Bonet. The project focuses on transparency and permeability, with a lightweight metal structure that will better integrate with the urban environment. It also includes a landscaped walkway on the façade of Avenida Maria Cristina.
In parallel, the renovation works of the Palau Alfons XIII are already underway, which will house the new Palau de Congressos de Barcelona. The original structure designed by modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch will be preserved. The new building, designed by Forgas Arquitectes, Archambac, and Álvaro Alejandro Fernández, will feature a new entrance from the Plaza de Carles Buïgas, a garden courtyard of 6,670 square metres, and a large auditorium with a capacity for 2,025 people. Construction works are set to begin in September.
Finally, the Palau del Vestit, facing Plaza de España, will be transformed into a centre for innovation and economic activity linked to the exhibition institution. The project, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and MIAS Arquitectura, will preserve the colonnade and the front façade designed by Josep Maria Jujol, and will house a three-storey building in the shape of a “Z” surrounded by garden spaces open to the public.
Collboni noted that the renovation will allow for the reconnection of the surrounding neighbourhoods, as Avenida Maria Cristina will become “a new great civic boulevard, which can be crossed vertically and horizontally,” facilitating communication flow between the neighbourhoods and gaining over 6,000 square metres of green areas that will connect the major roads crossing Plaza de España. The works for the first phase are expected to be completed in 2029, coinciding with the centenary of the 1929 International Exhibition.
The total investment for the project has not been detailed, but Councillor Romero insisted that it is a strategic bet for the city and the country. The residents of Poble Sec and Font de la Guatlla will be the main beneficiaries, with the creation of new facilities and protected housing. The expectation is that the new multifunctional palace and the Palau de Congressos will be operational by 2029, just in time for the centenary celebrations.
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