Barcelona targets world-famous unofficial skate park to end 'monopoly' of skaters

The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, today unveiled the redevelopment plan for Plaça dels Àngels, the iconic square in front of the MACBA museum that has become Barcelona's unofficial skate park. 

Expected to be completed by early 2027, the intervention will transform the MACBA outdoor podium, known for its use as a skateboarding area, into a green space with trees, benches and playgrounds. 

The proposed reform would potentially displace the skating community, which has been the source of numerous complaints from residents. 

Collboni made it clear to the skaters that the future space will be versatile and that no one will be able to "monopolize" it. The new project aims to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment that meets the needs of the 21st century, the mayor said. 

"It will be greener and designed for coexistence, for the elderly, for children, with playgrounds," he added. 

The MACBA Museum will also undergo a significant expansion with the construction of a new building in front of the existing facility. This addition will provide an additional 2,110 square meters of exhibition space, accompanied by a brand new 349 square meter rooftop.

MACBA director Elvira Dyangani said the reform seeks "consensus" among residents and aims to "bring the museum closer to the public." 

Architectural firms UTE Harquitectes and Christ & Gantenbein have won the public tender to carry out the works. 

With a budget of €16 million, the MACBA expansion project is scheduled to begin this November and be completed by 2027. 

The redevelopment of the square will be accompanied by the construction of a new 2,500 square meter Primary Health Center (CAP), which will provide essential services to approximately 22,500 residents.