20 de April de 2022
The plan is set out in the government measure “Barcelona, Heritage City”, which is to be presented before the Full Council in its meeting of 29 April.
The government measure “Barcelona, Heritage City” is to be presented before the Full Council on 29 April. The measure sets out a series of steps to update the traditional concept of heritage, adding a vision which also takes into account heritage linked to the identity of neighbourhoods and the fight against climate change.
The measure is divided into four areas: new regulatory tools, new tools for knowledge and renovation, new ties with citizens and the promotion of legislative changes.
Regarding changes to municipal regulations, an amendment is to be made to the regulatory by-law on municipal intervention in building works (ORPIMO), the goal of which is to improve the control of demolitions. Once approved, administrative processes for demolitions will require information on the possible heritage value of the building to be demolished. This will enable more detailed knowledge of the city’s heritage to be gathered and allow for an assessment of whether greater protection is needed and, in turn, a reduction in emissions and the creation of a green economy centring on improving the habitability and energy efficiency of buildings.
At the same time, the Barcelona Heritage Catalogue will be enlarged to become an open document which is constantly being added to, preventing valuable elements from being lost if they do not have a protected status.
The measure also includes steps to increase the number of heritage elements in the city and the degree of protection they have, such as:
- Review of level D heritage protection.
- Adaptation of planning for historical areas.
- Drafting of the city’s landscape catalogue.
- Review of protection for iconic and traditional establishments.
- Consolidation of green heritage.
- Consolidation and assessment of heritage inventories.
Renovation initiatives
A citizen heritage board is to be created with the intention of getting citizens and professionals involved in all these initiatives. The board will monitor the government measure and share its progress. An annual heritage publication will also be created to disseminate the most outstanding work, with municipal advice to be increased on good practice in renovating and restoring heritage.
In terms of new tools for knowledge and renovation, a specialist team will be set up for landscape and heritage, made up of professionals from the Municipal Institute for Urban Landscape and Quality of Life (IMPUiQV) and the Directorate for Urban Architecture and Heritage. The goal is to review the historical reports required for demolitions, advise on renovation processes, manage subsidies and more.
Another new aspect is an increase in funding for the conservation and improvement of heritage. In all, 7.5 million euros a year will help expand the following spheres:
- Subsidies for the conservation and improvement of conditions for private heritage. New line of heritage subsidies to boost the renovation of private heritage.
- Restoration programme for municipal heritage of special value.
- Maintenance programme for public art.
- New plan for party walls.
- Works in small landscapes.
Finally, this renewed vision of the city’s heritage also involves a new legal drive to update Act 9/1993, of 30 September, on Catalan cultural heritage, in conjunction with the Government of Catalonia, and include the protection of landscape sets. This way it will not only be possible to protect specific buildings, but also urban landscape sets and significant activities in both the craft and commercial spheres, with municipal councils able to protect historical properties and places.
