The project to modify the Metropolitan Master Plan (MPGM) will turn the disused Mercedes-Benz factory in the Sant Andreu district into a space for neighbourhood life and sustainable mobility, with new plazas and green areas, and public amenities to boost the Bon Pastor district and the surrounding industrial estates, and improve their connection with the rest of the city.

The idea is to devote over half —some 49,000 m²— of the former Mercedes-Benz site to public space, including the new Plaça de Mercedes-Benz. This landscaped plaza on the site of the old production warehouse will promote social and cultural life, and structure economic activity. The factory’s metal framework will be restored, its roof removed and photovoltaic panels installed to power the various amenities. The complex will include commercial space, venues for temporary activities and a large grandstand for public events.

There will also be a large urban park, including the lake gardens, a Garden of Industry, the central plaza and the public central courts of two street blocks: 31,000 m² in total. Green streets will link the plazas and gardens, creating green itineraries that connect Mercedes-Benz with the centre of Bon Pastor, Parc del Rec Comtal, La Maquinista and the Torrent d’Estadella industrial estate. These streets will be for pedestrians and cyclists, but they will also have seating and children’s play areas, collect rainwater and make the space permeable. Over one-third of the new Mercedes-Benz will be green.

The planning proposal includes a new pre-school centre, a vocational training institute, a socio-cultural space and a memory space that will be housed in the old main building (former management and factory), and another two buildings in the west of the site. In addition, the former football ground in c/Santander will be recovered for sporting activities, and there will also be as many as 1,300 new homes.

Floor space of as much as 84,000 m² will be set aside for economic and teaching activities, which, in the mid- and long term, are expected to represent up to 5,000 new quality jobs related to the circular economy, innovation, small industry and local trade. One of the existing factory buildings will house the new headquarters of the Elisava Design and Engineering Faculty and the UVic-UCC. It is also expected that the LEITAT Foundation will set up its own centre there, and lead the management and implementation of new technology companies linked to creative and 4.0 industries.