Terrassa debates 11 million euro parking project versus urban forest

The Terrassa City Council is facing controversy over a proposed 11 million euro project to construct a 216-space paid underground parking garage at Portal de Sant Roc. The project has met opposition from environmental and social groups who argue the funds should be redirected toward sustainable mobility, such as improving bus frequencies, expanding bike lanes, or investing in the TramVallès project.

In a recent plenary session, the council approved a proposal from the Associació BiciTerrassa Club (BiTer) to establish an urban forest to serve as a climate refuge in the Portal de Sant Roc area. While the governing parties (Terrassa i Junts) voted against this specific location, the proposal passed with support from PSC, ERC, PP, and Vox. The municipal government expressed support for the concept of an urban forest but suggested an alternative location at Parc dels Catalans, citing ongoing design contests for the Portal de Sant Roc site. BiTer representatives rejected the relocation, arguing that the specific site is essential for creating a functional climate refuge due to its local temperature extremes and existing natural resources.