ERC Terrassa proposes start-up hub and open courtyards

The Republicans present two initiatives at the municipal plenary to boost clean industry and recover recreational spaces.

Generic image of a municipal building with Mediterranean architecture.
IA

Generic image of a municipal building with Mediterranean architecture.

The municipal group ERC in Terrassa will bring two key proposals to the next plenary: the creation of a facility for emerging companies at Vapor Cortès and the recovery of the open courtyards project.

The first initiative aims to protect the urban industrial fabric against real estate speculation, particularly in neighborhoods like Segle XX and the Vapor Albinyana area. Councilor Pep Forn has warned of the risk that owners of industrial properties may pressure for changes to residential uses, calling for these spaces to be safeguarded to prevent new licenses or projects that alter the productive fabric.
In parallel, it is proposed to boost the creation of new technology companies and 'start-ups'. The central measure involves commissioning studies to convert the municipal warehouses at Vapor Cortès into a facility for these emerging businesses. The goal is to offer spaces at competitive prices to retain local university talent, as conveyed by companies in the sector during the Innovation Awards.
Forn emphasized the need to "re-industrialize" and "regain that economic strength." This innovation center could benefit from European sustainable urban development funds.
The second proposal, driven by councilor Ona Martínez, aims to ensure the reopening of open courtyards, a municipal project currently stalled. This initiative responded to the need for recreational and sports spaces for children and adolescents in various neighborhoods.
Martínez criticized the local executive's decision to halt the service without prior notice, especially after the last tender was declared void. Although reactivation was initially requested for September of this year, prior negotiation with the municipal government sets the full operation of the open courtyards for the 2026-2027 academic year.
This timeframe will allow for a model redesign with the involvement of third-sector entities and a cross-cutting vision integrating municipal services for education, sports, youth, and social services. The measure aligns with objectives from previous plans such as the Master Plan for Sport and the Terrassa Playable City plan, aiming to "bring life to the streets or public spaces" for the city's youth.