Reus's El Condesito to Open in September with More Pedestrian Space

The transformation of Carrer Ample concludes with the redesign of Plaça del Pintor Fortuny, adding public space and green areas.

Generic image of a renovated public square in Catalonia.
IA

Generic image of a renovated public square in Catalonia.

Plaça del Pintor Fortuny, known as El Condesito, in Reus, will open its doors the first week of September after a year and a half of works.

The transformation of Carrer Ample in Reus is nearing its final stages, with El Condesito in Plaça del Pintor Fortuny expected to be fully completed during the first week of September. The works, which have lasted a year and a half, have prioritized expanding pedestrian space, creating new seating areas, and installing security cameras.
Efforts have focused on landscaping, benches, and rest areas, while the installation of security cameras and final asphalt paving will complete the renovation. The cleaning of the El Condesito sculpture was carried out this week.
According to the Councilor for Urban Planning, Marina Berasategui, the goal is to "change our habits and the way we enjoy public space." The renovation has reordered the street's hierarchy, allocating 63% of the space to pedestrians and 26% to vehicles, with over 330 square meters of green areas.
The project, which began in February 2025, has been developed in three phases. The latest phase, focusing on Plaça de la Llibertat and El Condesito, experienced delays due to adaptations for commercial activity and the discovery of unexpected underground services. The contract was awarded for approximately 2.28 million euros, with a subsequent modification of around 220,000 euros.
Smart bollards to regulate vehicle access to Carrer Ample will be activated in the autumn, with two control points to further pedestrianize the area.
Residents view the renovation positively, although they await the final result once the barriers and machinery are removed. However, solutions for vehicle parking near the renovated area are requested.