German developer ECE Work & Live has made its first move into Spain with the acquisition of a site in Cornellà de Llobregat, on the western edge of the Barcelona metropolitan area. In partnership with local promoter Layetana Living, the company will develop a €44m residential scheme comprising 125 apartments. The legal and tax structuring of the deal was advised by Ashurst.
The project will deliver mid-market housing, with a focus on balancing quality and affordability for a wide range of residents, including families. Alongside the apartments, the scheme will provide 130 parking spaces, 79 storage units, and 1,200 sqm of ground-floor retail. At its heart, a landscaped courtyard will offer a swimming pool and communal areas designed to enhance wellbeing and community life.
Located in a new urban regeneration district, the development will benefit from strong transport links, including proximity to Cornellà Riera station, which connects directly with central Barcelona. Future public green spaces nearby are expected to add to the appeal of the neighbourhood.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026, with completion targeted for summer 2028.
Henrie W. Kötter, CEO of ECE Work & Live, described the project as “a milestone” for the company: “It represents our first residential development in Spain, a promising and attractive market for us.” Jan-Hendrik Walloch, managing director of investments, added that the scheme fits the firm’s strategy of building in dynamic European cities with strong economic growth and sustained housing demand.
Layetana Living’s managing director James Wells emphasised the value of the partnership: “Our local expertise ensures that this development will not only deliver high-quality housing, but also integrate seamlessly into Cornellà’s evolving urban fabric.”