The homelessness situation in the Barcelona metropolitan area has taken a new turn with the displacement of approximately 60 individuals to L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. These people, who previously camped along Barcelona's Zona Franca promenade, were evicted just over two months ago due to a rat infestation, according to Barcelona authorities. Following these actions, and in some cases, difficulties in staying overnight at the airport, they have found new refuge in two vacant lots in the Pedrosa industrial estate, bordering the Zona Franca.
One of the lots, located near the future Hall 0 pavilion of Fira Barcelona, hosts nearly fifty tents, while another adjacent one has about ten more. This reality contrasts with the economic development of the area, where a large-scale facility is being built. Many of the current residents arrived between two and three months ago, coinciding with the evictions in Barcelona.
“"Any response to informal settlements must be accompanied by metropolitan housing policies, stable resources, and supramunicipal coordination, because without it, evictions only shift the problem from one place to another."
L'Hospitalet City Council has emphasized the need for coordinated policies and stable resources to address homelessness, preventing the problem from moving from one municipality to another. This stance is reinforced by the detection of two "consolidated" settlements in the municipality, one in the Pedrosa industrial estate and another in Can Rigalt, the latter having a longer presence.
The Ombudswoman of L'Hospitalet, Merche García, recently highlighted the receipt of complaints regarding the lack of resources for homeless people and insisted on the implementation of efficient work plans. The council approved the Homelessness Approach Plan 2025–2030 in December 2025, with the aim of responding to these vulnerable situations.
