Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, has a population of over 1.5 million,with more than 3 million living in the metropolitan area. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it attracts visitors and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Barcelona, originally a city of factories, has undergone major changes and the old industrial areas have given way to new residential and service areas. The city has outstanding amenities for trade fairs and exhibitions and has become a choice venue for national and international events throughout the year.
The metropolitan region of Barcelona has 58% of industrial ground in the Catalan region and it is responsible for about 70% of GDP for Cataluña. Cataluña comprises 19% of GDP for Spain. Its GDP per Capita is 27.864€ and GDP growth is at 4%. Barcelona will soon be connected to Madrid by the AVE (High Speed Train) and by 2010 it will liaise with the French railway system, thus connecting Barcelona and Paris.
Grosvenor‘s strategy is to remain very active as an investor and developer in Barcelona, primarily in the office sector.
Sonae Sierra, Grosvenor's shopping centre platform, manages Farga shopping centre.