In the coming years, Girona will undergo a major upgrade of its medical infrastructure: the project for the new Trueta hospital has been approved, which will become part of a large medical campus. This decision impacts not only healthcare, but also transport accessibility, urban development, and the quality of life for local residents. The new complex will be located in the south of the city, between Girona and Salt, enabling both municipalities to join forces and create a modern space for treatment, research, and education.
As noted by El Pais, the winning team for the design competition was made up of architects PINEARQ, SLP and Brullet de Luna, along with engineers SLP PEGI. Their project stands out for its internal promenade—a sort of ‘rambla’—which will become the central axis of the complex. Along this corridor, there will be waiting areas, department entrances, and landscaped spaces connecting the hospital with the city environment. An underground car park is planned for 900 vehicles, significantly reducing traffic on surrounding streets and providing convenience for visitors and staff.
The design envisions two- and three-story buildings to maintain harmony with the surrounding developments. Buildings up to seven stories will be located further inside the site, but architects emphasize that the complex will appear ‘human-scaled’ and not overwhelming. The project incorporates modern eco-friendly solutions: geothermal energy, solar panels, and bioclimatic architecture. This will help reduce operating costs and make the hospital less dependent on traditional energy sources.
Functional features
The total site area is 175,000 square meters, with 130,000 dedicated to medical facilities. The hospital will occupy 175,000 square meters, and another 59,725 square meters are designated for university and research purposes. Over 80,000 square meters are reserved for future expansion. The new Trueta will increase the number of operating rooms from 19 to 31, and inpatient beds will rise to 855. The emergency care area will have 136 rooms, with the option to expand to 162 if needed.
Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2028 or early 2029, with the first departments expected to open for patients as early as 2031. Full completion will take about four years. According to El Pais, the project is estimated at 740 million euros, and a financial plan is currently being developed to find the best sources of funding. Authorities describe it as the largest healthcare project in Catalonia in recent decades.
Urban integration
An important part of the concept was the integration of the hospital into the urban environment. In Girona, the main stages of urban planning have already been completed and work is underway to redistribute plots and prepare infrastructure. In the neighboring municipalities of Salt and Vilablareix, coordination continues with consideration of comments from the territorial urban planning commission. The new complex is expected to become not only a medical facility, but also an educational, research, and innovation center that will drive long-term regional development.
The project received unanimous support from a 17-member expert jury, highlighting its relevance and compliance with current standards. Authorities and representatives of the University of Girona note that the new Trueta will enable the integration of medicine and science, foster joint projects, and improve the quality of medical services.
Context and trends
In recent years, Spain has seen large-scale projects aimed at modernizing medical infrastructure. For example, the reconstruction of Hospital del Mar in Barcelona has been completed, and new buildings have opened at major clinics in Madrid. These initiatives focus on improving access to and quality of healthcare, introducing innovation, and creating a comfortable environment for patients and staff. In Catalonia, special attention is paid to integrating medical institutions with educational and research centers, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for the development of healthcare and science.
