Bilbao City Council and the Basque Government are carrying out an ambitious urban regeneration plan in Uretamendi, one of the 25 neighbourhoods belonging to the Opengela programme. This initiative seeks to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants by rehabilitating housing; promoting accessibility; renaturalising degraded spaces and strengthening the social fabric.

Uretamendi, together with Betolaza, has a very old housing stock (average 58 years old) and serious structural deficiencies: barely 30% of the buildings have lifts. Since 2023, the municipal company Surbisa has been carrying out improvement work in 19 blocks, benefiting more than 200 homes. These actions, which include renovation of roofs, façades and structures damaged by termites, have mobilised 1.34 million euros, with significant public subsidies.

In addition, the Basque Government has declared 143 buildings in the neighbourhood as an Integrated Rehabilitation Area, which allows access to increased aid, in some cases up to 100% of the cost.

To facilitate the procedures, Surbisa has set up a neighbourhood office (Opengela) where residents receive technical and legal assistance. It will also pay for the technical projects necessary for the works, with grants covering up to 10,000 euros per community, which will make it easier to access future regional or European subsidies.

In addition to the structural works, the aim is to transform degraded courtyards and small squares into green spaces for neighbourhood coexistence. Six key areas have been identified for their recovery, including Betolaza, 48. The interventions include paving; installation of vegetation; benches; vegetable gardens and playgrounds, with aid that will cover up to 80% of the cost in Uretamendi.

Adaptation of the subsidy calendar

Given that many processes have been slowed down by neighbourhood dynamics, the shortage of materials (due to factors such as the war in Ukraine) and conflicts with awarding companies, the Basque Government has approved a rescheduling of the timetable for execution and justification of subsidies. Although the total amount (455,507.60 euros) has not been increased, the deadline for justification has been extended until December 2026 and the planned annual payments have been redistributed.

This modification responds to the need to manage two new sources of aid: one for energy rehabilitation and accessibility, and the other for the renaturation of private spaces.

The Director of Neighbourhood Regeneration and Urban Agenda, Ana Telleria, stresses that these processes require time and proximity: «It is not only a physical transformation, but also a social and community one. That is why we work together with local councils and neighbours, adapting to their real needs».

This comprehensive approach will be extended to other neighbourhoods such as El Peñascal and Uribarri and could in the future reach 635 buildings in 16 different areas of Bilbao that are more than 55 years old. The aim is to prevent the abandonment of vulnerable areas, promote social cohesion and build more sustainable, accessible and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Sources: El Correo and Irekia website