A NEW tourist hub would soon transform a Spanish city – and it would be similar to one in London.
Three Chimneys in Barcelona was a thermal power station built in the 1970s, although was met with a lot of opposition at the time.
It then closed in 2011, with plans to tear it down.
But now loved by locals – and dubbed the “the Sagrada Familia of the workmen” – it could become a whole new hotspot.
However, it is set to be converted into a destination for both tourists and locals, to reduce overtourism in the city centre of Barcelona.
Just four miles away, the brutalist structure could become a “digital media and audio-visual hub,” the Times reports.
New homes, extended promenades, more green areas and new bike lanes and public transport are all part of the major plans.
The redevelopment hopes to be completed by 2029.
More is to be revealed about what else could be included as well as how much it would cost, although it is expected to be millions.
This could encourage tourists to explore parts outside of the city centre, which welcomes million of tourists a year.
The mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni said the transformation as a “a vestige of the industrial past that becomes a window of opportunity”.
Barcelona city hall’s innovation directer added Eva Soria added that they want to “make the outskirts more visible”.
Tourists can’t currently visit Three Chimneys apart from during certain days of the year.
For example, it has opened to the public for the Manifesta 15 art event, running until November 24.
The outdoor area is also popular with skateboarders, who use the Three Chimneys gardens.
The conversion of the power plant could be similar to Battersea Power Station in London.
Once a working power station between the 1930s and 1980s, it reopened in 2022 following a massive £9billion renovation.
It was even named one of the must visit spots by Nat Geo earlier this year.
Free to visit, inside are 80 shops and restaurants, Lift 109 attraction and Art’otel, with a rooftop pool.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Caroline McGuire recently visited, and said: “I generally avoid shopping centres entirely when with my 5 year old.
“But I’m surprised at how Battersea Power Station has become a regular family visit during school holidays.
“During autumn half term, my son and I enjoyed the free ‘brick’ soft play, spending more than an hour building a brick house.
“And we also designed a telephone box out of cardboard for £3 that is still on his chest of drawers at home.”
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Barcelona.
“You can’t go to Barcelona without admiring some of architect Antoni Gaudi’s impressive works.
“There is the Sagrada Familia church, Park Guell and Casa Batllo all within a few kilometres of each other.
“I chose to explore Gaudi’s Casa Mila this time, with a behind-the-scenes Sunrise Guided Tour with GetYourGuide (£33.63pp).
“You also can’t leave Barcelona without drinking sangria, so head to bar Bubita, down a side road behind the Picasso museum.
“It serves the stuff in a huge variety of flavours, including limoncello and basil, and lime, orange and mint.”
In other Barcelona news, the city has revealed plans to double the entry fee for the famous Park Guell attraction, but only for tourists.
Otherwise here is a different Spanish city which is set to be big in 2025.
