The fifth anniversary of the definitive approval of the Zorrotzaurre Special Plan

Today, is the fifth anniversary of the definitive approval, by the Bilbao City Council, of the Special Urban Plan for Zorrotzaurre.

A fundamental aspect of the Special Plan, based on the Master Plan drawn up by Zaha Hadid, was the complete opening up of the Deusto Canal, which will convert the peninsula into an island.

Other relevant aspects of the Plan are:

– The Plan foresees maintaining the current housing and the construction of 5,473 new homes (2,744 social housing homes and 2,726 free market homes). The first development of 360 new homes is currently underway in Deusto and San Ignacio.

– It also foresees four new bridges: one to join Zorrotzaurre to Deusto (the already finished Frank Gehry Bridge), another to join the future island to San Ignacio (tenders are currently under consideration), another to connect to Zorroza and a fourth for the tram to enter Zorrotzaurre from the Ensanche.

– The tram will run from end-to-end of the island and there will be 4 stops.

– The creation of a river-side park and 7.5kms of river-side walks.

– The conservation of 19 former industrial buildings for new uses after their renovation. Renovation of the Edificio Papelera has already finished.