Eixample

Eixample, a district in Barcelona, is currently facing several significant urban and social challenges. The area has seen a rapid increase in 24-hour supermarkets, with nearly 100 opening in the latter half of the previous year. This growth is impacting local businesses and the character of the neighborhood. Simultaneously, the expansion of 'coliving' spaces is leading to evictions and displacement of long-term residents, as investment funds purchase buildings and renovate them for short-term rentals. This has sparked community resistance, with neighbors organizing to prevent evictions, such as the case of Txema Escorsa. The Barcelona City Council has intervened in some cases, requesting the halt of evictions related to 'coliving' developments. These issues highlight the tension between economic development, housing affordability, and the preservation of community in Eixample.