Barcelona Arenas Former Bullring remodeled Shopping Centre

Las arenas opened on June 29 1900 and was initially used for boxing or free fights until it was purchased by the rich entrepreneur Pedro Balana in 1927 who remodelled it into a bull fighting ring and ocassional concert venue.

During the Civil War, the building was occupied by anti-fascist militias. Post civil war, Bullfights went on during the Franco era until the decline of bull fighting in the 1980s.

Remodelling work started in 2009 where the original outer brickwork was preserved and jacked up as a whole complete brickwork ring to insert the concrete and steel supporting structure underneath. The underground levels and parking were excavated and constructed underneath the brick outer ring. The inner structures and steelwork were next constructed finishing with a cupula roof. Designed by architects Alonso y Balaguer and Richard Rogers with a remodelling cost 70 million euros. The construction was completed in 2011 and opened as a shopping centre in March the same year.

Notable feautures are the 360 degree promenade on the roof which has many restaurants around the inside of the circular promenade. The viewpoint is free access via the interior escalator but a 4 euro fee is charged to use the exterior glass elevator. Also on the top roof viewing promendade is access to a large interior space which houses temporary exhibitions.

The shopping centre also has a cinema. However, the films are screened dubbed in Spanish.

Las Arenas shopping mall has opening hours of 10:00h till 21:00h Monday to Saturday for the shops with later opening hours closer to midnight all days for the cinema, rooftop terrace, gym and restaurants.

The shopping centre has all the usual high street chains. For a complete list check the website.

Nearest TMB METRO is Plaza Espana on the green line (L3).