As from June, the section of C/ Gran de Gràcia running from Pl. Nicolás Salmerón to C/ Nil Fabra is to become a pedestrian-only zone on the first Saturday of every month. The road will be closed to traffic from 5 pm to 9 pm.

The aim of the measure is to regain public space for walking, games and sport, as well as creating a new area which can be used for outdoor activities. In order to boost the local network of associations, commercial establishments and residents, various sporting, popular culture and children’s activities will be organised.

The transformation of C/ Gran de Gràcia will initially be introduced as a pilot scheme for a year. The Gràcia district office will evaluate the process by monitoring participation using various indicators, such as the number of activities organised, the number of organisations and people who use the area, evaluations from local commerce and so on.

To pacify the area, the district office will study how best to combine activities in street level premises with the flow of pedestrians and occasional access required for vehicles, in order to find the combination which is most suitable for all concerned. The studies will also define the human resources and materials needed to carry out the initiative.

The Councillor for Gràcia, Eloi Badia, highlighted the aim of the move as “allowing local residents to regain public space, make it theirs and enjoy it”. Badia added: “It’s a measure which has direct results on the quality of life of people”.