Conserving the past

The different stages in the urban history of Zorrotzaurre as a port district are present today in the variety of buildings that define the spirit of the place. Today, identity is a value that is appreciated both by residents and by visitors and these buildings play an important rôle in the evolution of the identity of the district.

One of the objectives of the Plan is to work as efficiently as possible with the existing buildings and structures, to help define new uses and functions for the many excellent examples of industrial buildings associated with the historical prosperity of Bilbao. The Plan foresees that the most interesting of the industrial buildings – as many as 14 – will act as “containers” of new uses and as living exponents of the memory of industry and port life. Two will be maintained for economic activity and will serve to relocate the existing companies that are compatible with the new urban uses.

Even more important is the value that the plan places on the continuing presence of the 500 current residents in the development of the future ways of life. These ways of life will integrate new uses and new communities around the church in the historic centre of the old quarter of Zorrotzaurre.

The historic façade of the river-side provides an important asset for establishing a local character and the Zorrotzaurre Plan weaves that wealth into a complementary urban network.