The Catalan Urban Planning Commission has given the go-ahead for an ambitious plan to revamp the appearance and features of Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, opening more space for pedestrians and clearing away a clutter of tourist-related kiosks along the street.
The plan, first proposed in 2017, covers the length of the boulevard, from Placa Catalunya to the Columbus monument at the port. It will be carrried out in stages, with the first section taking about 18 months. The total cost is set at €44.6 million.
Las Ramblas has had a mixed reputation in recent years, with tourism-oriented shops replacing many of the local stores for area residents, and has had a reputation for pickpocketing. However, it is also the site of several important civic venues and theatres, and adjoins the huge Bouqueria market.
Images courtesy Ajuntament de Barcelona (city government)
