Barcelona have paused plans to build a residence for their first-team players at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, opting instead to prioritise a new gym requested by manager Hansi Flick.
The decision was made under president Joan Laporta, according to the Barca Reservat podcast, as reported by Sport. The proposed team hotel, which was planned next to Camp Tito Vilanova, has been temporarily put on hold while work focuses on the new training facility.
The accommodation project was designed as an exclusive base for first-team players. It would have allowed the squad to gather before matches, including selected games played at the club’s home ground, while also providing space for players to rest after matches and training sessions.
Barcelona had previously approved the scheme. Since taking charge, however, Flick has reintroduced the practice of bringing the squad together before certain fixtures, including home matches.
The project has not been cancelled permanently, but its construction has been suspended because of the club’s current building priorities. Barca Reservat reported that the required investment for the residential complex is estimated at between 12m and 14m euros, significantly above the original budget of 6m euros.
New gym takes priority
The immediate priority is now the construction of a larger gym beside Camp Tito Vilanova, in response to another request from Flick.
Barcelona’s existing gym, located in one of the buildings at the Ciutat Esportiva, has become too small for the demands of a first-team squad that dedicates increasing time and resources to physical training, recovery work and individual player conditioning.
The new facility is being built directly alongside the stadium and will feature large glass walls providing a clear view of the training pitch. Construction is close to completion.
Once finished, the gym will allow the players to combine work on the pitch with targeted exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility and speed. It will also provide space for physical recovery programmes.
The change in priority means the residence project will have to wait while Barcelona completes the facility intended to expand the first team’s physical-training and recovery resources.
