A new chapter for a forgotten heritage
The historic site that housed the Noviciado de las Damas Apostólicas, located at Paseo de La Habana, 198, is about to undergo a significant transformation. After 17 years of uncertainty and multiple failed attempts to revitalise this space, the Madrid City Council has given the green light to a project that includes the construction of eleven buildings intended to be a student residence. However, this decision has not been without controversy.
Despite the support of the Popular Party, the proposal has sparked strong criticism among opposition groups. Vox has described the plan as an "urban aberration," while Más Madrid refers to it as an "urban necrology" perpetrated by the City Council. The Socialist Municipal Group is also sceptical, anticipating that new neighbourhood complaints could lead to the project's paralysis in the courts.
The delegate for Urbanism, Environment and Mobility, Borja Carabante, defends that this initiative is crucial for protecting local architectural heritage. According to him, unused buildings tend to deteriorate over time. Despite this, many neighbours and activists have expressed concern about the lack of protection for the historic gardens that once provided sustenance for the nuns who inhabited the convent.
The provisional approval in the Plenary is just one more step in a long administrative process. It is now up to the Community of Madrid to give its final approval to the file before construction can begin. This process includes modifications to the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOUM) in effect since 1997 and aims to catalogue both the existing buildings and the protected garden within the specific area designated as APE 05.32 Noviciado.
Over the years, this site has been the subject of numerous legal disputes and contradictory administrative decisions. In 2006, an urban permit was approved to demolish part of the convent; however, that action was never carried out due to its subsequently recognised heritage value. In 2018, both the building and its garden were declared of Heritage Interest; however, the southern and eastern areas were initially excluded from the protected scope until their definitive inclusion in 2021 after a prolonged judicial process.
As this urban project progresses, it remains to be seen whether a balance can be struck between urban development and heritage conservation. The imposed conditions include maintaining historic paths between ancient gardens and ensuring adequate views from the Noviciado towards its surroundings. The planned construction promises to incorporate green roofs that will evoke these lost gardens.
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