A resident’s view: Ferran Oller, 59, Catalan
Chemist Ferran Oller is the grandson of the founder of the Farmàcia Antiga de Les Corts, created in 1860 and today the longest-running chemist’s in the neighbourhood. As well as his grandfather and father, Oller’s wife and two children are all chemists and work with him in the Plaça Concòrdia business. He lives in the flat above the pharmacy.
How much has the square changed? It’s hardly changed; it’s changed very little. The pharmacy is the oldest business in the square—there used to be a chicken shop (polleria), a dairy (lleteria) and two places selling comestibles (grocers).
Eight or nine years ago, they converted the casc antic (old part) of Les Corts into a pedestrianised area. It’s changed positively; [there’s] much more quality of life for the people of the neighbourhood. In the square, there’s always been children, avis (grandparents), people coming to sit on the benches. They came before [when cars were allowed] but it was more dangerous. Now the square is super-tranquil. The houses here have big terraces and when you’re on them you can’t hear any traffic—it’s like being in a quiet village. It seems incredible because the Diagonal is so close.
Is there anything you don’t like about the square? The council could take more care at night in terms in noise. When bands play—and I don’t mind that they play—sometimes the music is too loud.
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