Barcelona's 22@ plan involves the transition of the city from an
industrial manufacturing model to one better suited to a knowledge-based
economy. One casualty of this change has been the old textile factory of Can
Ricart in Poblenou which will soon be demolished to make way for new offices.
Can Ricart has thirty small companies employing 250 people, all
of whom will lose their jobs. The companies claim that their metal and carpentry
workshop activities help to preserve the industrial heritage of the Poblenou
district - an area known as the 'Catalan Manchester'. There is little
alternative accommodation in the area. more
