Sagrada Familia architects say controversial expansion plans will proceed despite protests
We will proceed with the plan to construct a staircase despite opposition from local residents and traders.
Work on other sculptures and decorations, along with the staircase leading to what will be the main entrance, is expected to go on until at least 2035.
The plans for the stairway have sparked opposition from locals because if the work goes ahead, it would involve the demolition of flats and offices adjacent to the existing building and the removal of approximately 1,000 families and businesses.
The architects working on the Sagrada Familia were in discussions with Barcelona's local council and residents regarding the stairway plans.
However, he agreed that the plans could be altered.
“Should the stairway be wider, it will impact more residents. This is a matter for discussion. The dimensions could potentially be scaled down. The council is aware of our requirements and we are waiting for their decision.”
Earlier, Camps told a press conference on Thursday inside the basilica that last month the Sagrada Familia had requested permission from Barcelona city council to install scaffolding to construct the Gloria façade, which is intended to be the main entrance to the basilica.
He stated that the schedule to complete the work would take another ten years to complete, not taking into account the additional "more than 100 sculptures" that will adorn the Gloria's façade.
Camps stated that if the construction progresses as planned, by 2026 it may be possible to complete the 172.5-metre central tower, which will be dedicated to Jesus Christ, thereby making the Sagrada Familia the tallest building in Barcelona.
This will be the centenary of the passing of Antonà GaudÃ, the creator of the Sagrada Familia.
Salvador Barroso, a lawyer and representative of the Association for those Affected by the Sagrada Familia, a local protest group, is taking legal action to stop the proposed staircase.
Barroso asserts that the staircase was never part of GaudÃ's original plans and was actually conceived by GaudÃ's disciples following his premature passing.
The original plans were ruined by anarchists at the outbreak of the Spanish civil war in 1936, but painstakingly reconstructed by successive architects.
The Sagrada Familia is a private entity and it's the council that will make the final decision. If the decision isn't a fair one, then there are judges and courts in this country that are above them, and we will take further legal action to challenge this proposal.
In 2018, the Association of Neighbours unveiled a document from the Spanish Ministry of Culture dated 1975, which, they claimed, revealed that Gaudà had never intended to construct the Gloria façade.
According to the association, this was included by architects who were tasked with completing GaudÃ's project. The Sagrada Familia contested this claim.
"We are working closely with representatives of the Sagrada Familia, local residents and other organisations to identify the most suitable solution to complete the project and meet the city's needs," he said.
Barcelona aims to "ensure the right to a home and reduce the number of people affected", he also mentioned.
Too many tourists?
The work on the building is funded by the ticket revenue from tourists visiting the basilica, which ranges from £22-£31 per person annually.
Last year, 4.83 million people visited the Sagrada Familia, 2.7% more than the previous year. This is the largest number of visitors ever to the basilica, which is the most popular tourist destination in Spain.
The majority of visitors - 87% - are from overseas, with the largest group by country being from the United States (18.55% of the total), followed by France (6.53%), Italy (6.53%), South Korea (6.18%) and the UK (4.98%). Spaniards account for 12.67% of visitors.
However, the basilica's success as a tourist destination was not to everyone's liking.
Jackie Bridges, a retired nurse from Southampton in Britain, visited the basilica and said it was overcrowded.
People were chatting loudly, even though this is a place of worship. I'm not religious, but the sheer number of people and the noise they were making meant it wasn't peaceful, which is what you'd typically expect in a sacred space.
Dr Bridges added: “I attempted to find a moment of contemplation in the area designated for that purpose but the noise level made that impossible. I am not certain I will return.”
The income for 2024 was £118 million, all from private sources such as visitor receipts. In terms of spending, 52% of the budget was allocated to construction, 30% went on the management of the basilica.
It is unclear how the remainder of the funds are utilised, as the church is not required to disclose its financial records.
Around 51,696 individuals attended 66 international masses at the Sagrada Familia last year, whereas 280,670 people attended services at the basilica.
There have been attempts to publicise the Sagrada Familia brand with 102 international masses which drew in more than 80,000 worshippers.
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