A Brisbane delegation travelled to Barcelona to learn for city planning ©IURC

Officials from Brisbane have travelled to Barcelona to learn from city officials, conduct site visits and walking tours; 30 years on from the Spanish city hosting the 1992 Olympic Games.

The delegation was led by Brisbane Deputy Mayor Krista Adams through the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme.

Brisbane looked to find what benefits and improvements Barcelona was able to make to its city by hosting the Games.

The IURC Asia-Australasia programme looks to improve cities through sport and sustainable strategies to create an impact on its communities.

Advice was given to the Brisbane officials from Barcelona ©IURC
Advice was given to the Brisbane officials from Barcelona ©IURC

David Martinez, chief executive of the Urban Development Institute at the Barcelona City Council, led a walking tour to show off the Superblocks Model to the city to manage traffic and free up public space - encouraging people to exercise and use public transport.

The team moved onto Barcelona Activa, where they learned more about the city's partnerships with start-up companies; followed by meetings at the Olympic Village that was used at the 1992 Games.

After the city held the Games, Barcelona grew communities on the seafront and improved former industrial sites, reusing disused sites.

Brisbane and IURC delegations were also welcomed to the Olympic Museum where they met officials including Josep Roca, the director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at Barcelona 1992; sharing his thoughts on how to leave an impactful social legacy in Australia after 2032, when Brisbane is scheduled to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games.