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The historic neighbourhood of Vista Alegre, in Sestao, faces the final stretch of its transformation thanks to an ambitious comprehensive urban regeneration project that will be completed in October 2025. The initiative is led by the Basque Government, in collaboration with the Sestao City Council and the neighborhood communities themselves, with the technical and social support of the Opengela neighbourhood office.
The intervention focuses on the rehabilitation of the Vista Alegre Group, a closed block built in 1914, consisting of 11 doorways and 93 dwellings, which is undergoing a profound structural, energy and urban transformation. The project was recognised with the AVS 2024 Award for the best comprehensive regeneration initiative in Spain for its impact on habitability, accessibility, energy efficiency and community involvement.
The action has a total investment of 5,276,975 euros, financed through a collaborative model. The Basque Government has contributed 4,403,178 euros, of which 4,235,743.80 euros come from the Inter-institutional Strategic Investment Plan and 167,435 euros from complementary funds. Sestao Town Council has contributed 682,305 euros, while the owners have contributed an investment of 191,491 euros.
An intervention with multiple dimensions
The project combines several integrated lines of action that make this intervention a benchmark in sustainable urban regeneration. The buildings are being thoroughly refurbished, improving their thermal envelope by insulating the façades, ground floor and roofs, installing new window frames and glazing, as well as thermal and electrical energy generation systems using aerothermal energy and solar panels. In addition, sensors are incorporated to control indoor air quality and fire protection systems.
The urban environment is also being renovated with nature-based criteria. The urbanisation works cover streets such as Resurrección María de Azkue, Antonio Machado, Los Baños and the Amador Palma park, and include new service connections, paving, lighting and street furniture.
In the field of energy, the creation of a local energy community is being promoted together with Edinor and Piztu Sestao, which will allow between 25 and 50 agents in the neighbourhood (including homes, businesses and public facilities) to benefit from shared self-consumption.
The digitalisation of the neighbourhood is another of the project’s commitments. It is planned to install a public wifi network, community ADSL infrastructure, and intelligent systems for energy and environmental management. Elements of historical memory will also be integrated, in recognition of the bombing suffered in 1937. This provides an identity value that reinforces the social and cultural dimension of the regenerated environment.
This whole process is carried out with the constant support of the Opengela neighbourhood office. This technical office serves as a liaison between the neighbourhood communities and the institutions, and facilitates procedures, advice, resolution of technical doubts and decision-making. Its role has been fundamental for citizen involvement in the project and has been recognised at state level for its community value.
