Sant Adrià de Besòs’s Port Fòrum has embarked on a major transformation aimed at becoming one of the central hubs for leisure, culture, and economic dynamism in the Barcelona metropolitan region. The laying of the first stone for the new reinforcement dock, held on July 8, marked the beginning of a large-scale renewal project that seeks to turn the port into a true “urban oasis.” This ambitious plan, backed by an investment of €30 million, aims to revitalize one of Barcelona’s most forgotten areas, the Baix Besòs, by creating a multifunctional space that blends modernity and sustainability.
The project seeks to transform Port Fòrum into a daytime leisure space primarily aimed at families and people of all ages. Eduardo Guerrero, the port’s general director, explained that the port’s vision is to become a “meeting point” that will foster activities in four key areas: culture, music, gastronomy, and sports. Guerrero highlighted that the idea is to create a “slow-space,” an urban design concept that prioritizes peace, people’s well-being, and sustainability in the spatial planning.
This port will stand as a place where daytime leisure is promoted, unlike the typical nightlife found in other tourist spots in the city. “We want the city to grow over the port in a natural process of integrative expansion,” said Guerrero, emphasizing that the space will cater to all audiences, from families to tourists.
Port Fòrum will not only benefit from the modernization of port infrastructures but will also be boosted by new urban developments surrounding the port. The €30 million investment will go partly toward infrastructure improvements and the creation of new facilities that will attract both tourists and locals. This renewal is largely driven by the arrival of the luxury SLS hotel, recently built near the Litoral ring road, which will draw a high-end clientele.
The project will also benefit from the upcoming Catalunya Media City tech hub at the Three Chimneys site, as well as the Inditex office complex. In addition, the area will host six hotels within a one-kilometer radius, including two five-star hotels, one of which will be a super-luxury hotel. With these new developments, Port Fòrum is poised to become a new economic and tourist magnet for the metropolitan area.
One of the most emblematic elements of this transformation is the repurposing of the old Captaincy building, which was previously the Beach Club. This space will be turned into the Seasea Club, a new multifunctional complex that will house a beach club on the ground floor, a high-end restaurant on the upper floors, and a spa. Additionally, the building will feature a conference room and a gallery, making it a central point for both tourists and professionals.
Another key project is the improvement of accessibility. With the renovations, the existing port parking lots will open up to the exterior, providing easier access from the Litoral ring road. Additionally, the Parc de la Pau parking will soon reopen with new exits to both the beach and the park, along with a pump track for bikes and skates, and a kiosk for visitors.
One of the most surprising and attractive projects will be the installation of a captive hot air balloon in the Port Fòrum lagoon. The balloon, which will rise 150 meters into the air, will carry up to 25 people at a time and offer breathtaking views of Barcelona’s coastline. This type of balloon is one of the most innovative attractions, similar to those found in Disneyland Paris and Budapest.
The balloon will not only serve as a tourist attraction but also have an educational component. The space will include a small classroom and a Hot Air Balloon Museum, open year-round to school groups. Students will learn about the history of hot air balloons and their connection to Barcelona, as well as experiencing firsthand the principle of Archimedes’ buoyancy, explaining why objects float.
The impact of Port Fòrum’s transformation will extend beyond the creation of new tourist and leisure spaces. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local area. Currently, the port attracts around 300,000 visitors per year, but with the new developments and increased activities, this number is expected to rise to four million annual visitors.
With this transformation, Port Fòrum is set to become a key player in the regeneration of the Baix Besòs district, contributing not only to the creation of jobs and wealth but also to the improvement of residents’ quality of life and the strengthening of the area’s identity.
Thus, Port Fòrum is shaping up to be an urban landmark within the Barcelona metropolitan area, solidifying its place as a destination where modernity, sustainability, and family enjoyment come together. With its innovative proposals and immense potential, this port is set to become one of the city’s most attractive and economically significant spaces in the coming years.
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