Renovation works at Pearson Square in Rubí began this Tuesday, October 13th. This space, one of the city's most emblematic and a stage for much of its social life since the early 20th century, will be updated to improve its usability, accessibility, and sustainability, while respecting its historic character.
The project will preserve the central classic garden, built in the 1930s, and organize the space into three concentric zones. The intermediate area will feature permeable paving to arrange terraces and accommodate various activities, while the perimeter will prioritize pedestrians and bring the surrounding buildings closer. In front of the Lluís Muncunill houses, a traffic lane will be removed between General Prim and Abat Escarré streets.
A key improvement will be the renovation of the pavement to enhance accessibility and prevent erosion from rainwater. The new material will promote water infiltration into the ground, managed through a sustainable drainage system with vegetated tree pits and gravel beds.
The works also include the relocation and renovation of the children's play area, which will be fully accessible and incorporate adapted elements for children with functional diversity. Additionally, the lighting of the Bòdum will be improved, and a diagonal path will be created connecting the station to the rest of the square. The current pergola will be removed and replaced by a line of trees and a continuous bench integrated into a landscaped embankment.
The vegetation will increase from the current 90 trees to approximately 120 specimens. Diseased or degraded trees will be removed and replaced with new ones, such as ash, white maple, and holm oak, combining species with different flowering times and favoring deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sunlight.
Pearson Square has been linked to the history of Rubí since the 19th century, appearing in the 1875 Expansion Plan and adopting its current name in 1918 in homage to Dr. Frederick Stark Pearson. The renovation aims to preserve this legacy and reinforce the square as a meeting and coexistence space.
The commencement of the works involves closing the central part of the square, while traffic will initially be maintained on Prim and Balmes streets. The taxi rank will continue, for now, on Balmes street. Significant traffic disruptions are not expected during this initial phase.
Later, improvements to underground services, which could begin in the next three months, may affect Balmes street. Pedestrian access will be maintained along Barcelona avenue towards the station and vice versa, but crossing the square internally will not be possible. To reach the station, pedestrians will need to use the bridge sidewalk or Balmes street and Ferrocarril promenade.
The closure of the square has been planned to maintain restaurant terraces as much as possible, although they may experience occasional disruptions depending on the progress of the work.
