The Government of Catalonia has confirmed the purchase of the emblematic industrial complex known as Tres Xemeneies (Three Chimneys), located in Sant Adrià de Besòs. The operation, involving an investment of approximately 42 million euros, aims primarily to drive the development of the Catalunya Media City project, a new audiovisual hub to be established in the Besòs area.
Through this acquisition, the former thermal power plant, owned by Endesa for over a decade, will transition into public ownership. This purchase will facilitate the implementation of planned uses, transforming the area into a significant center for audiovisual production, digital innovation, and content creation. Funding for this initiative comes from a portion of the 60 million euros granted by the Spanish state in 2023 for the Catalunya Media City development, with 45.8 million specifically earmarked for land acquisition for economic activities.
The Tres Xemeneies, constructed in the latter half of the 20th century, stand as one of the most recognizable symbols of the metropolitan industrial landscape and were a key component in Catalonia's electricity production. Their definitive closure in 2011 sparked a prolonged discussion regarding the future of the site and the preservation of these iconic structures on the Besòs coastline.
This purchase marks a decisive step in the area's transformation. While some surrounding lands are already publicly owned, the Generalitat will now control the central element of the former power plant, which is crucial for the zone's future urban and economic development.
The Catalunya Media City project aims to establish the complex as a leading hub for the audiovisual industry, digital content, video games, and immersive technologies, attracting businesses, training centers, and international production, mirroring successful models in other European cities.
The revitalization of the Tres Xemeneies is considered a strategic initiative of paramount importance for the transformation of the Besòs waterfront and a key government commitment to strengthening Catalonia's audiovisual sector.
