Just 24 hours after the eviction of what was considered the largest settlement in Catalonia, the municipal government initiated demolition preparations. Despite the presence of dozens of evicted migrants who spent the night outdoors in front of the building due to lack of housing alternatives, the council welded the entrances shut to prevent re-occupation.
Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol has stated repeatedly that the site will host a new Badalona Guardia Urbana police station. While initial plans included sharing the facility with the Mossos d'Esquadra, that option has faded. The Remei Neighborhood Association, while regretting the lack of support for the evicted, also demands increased security and the police station in their area.
The situation has gone from 400 occupants in the B9 to about forty in a square.
The initial cleaning and removal of debris are scheduled to last two or three days. This will be followed by the demolition of the roofs and the entire structure. The demolition contract, licensed since November 17, has received 13 bids, and the proposal for award has gone to Hercal Diggers, S.L. for 306,789.73 euros, VAT included. Demolition is expected to commence in January.
To ensure the site remains clear, the City Council has hired a private security company. Guardia Urbana agents maintained watch outside the building, where around fifty displaced individuals gathered and spent the night. Municipal sources indicate that efforts are underway to convince those camping in the square that they cannot remain there.
