A Necessary Change in Urban Planning
The city of Madrid faces a critical challenge in its quest for housing solutions. With a population exceeding 3 million and a projection that could reach 10 million, the City Council has decided to make a radical shift in its urban strategy. The new Municipal Strategic Plan (PEM) proposes building upwards, especially in established districts such as Tetuán, Moratalaz, and Usera, where the demand for affordable housing is most pressing.
The Need for Affordable Housing
For years, Madrid has struggled with an alarming shortage of accessible housing. According to real estate sector data, it is estimated that over 50,000 new homes are needed each year to meet the population's needs. However, the available space for new constructions is limited; only 2% of land remains to be built upon in the capital. This has led experts like Sigfrido Herráez, dean of the Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM), to advocate for a more efficient use of existing land.
The PEM aims not only to increase the number of homes but also to correct urban imbalances through vertical densification. Currently, Tetuán leads the ranking with 315 inhabitants per hectare, followed by Chamberí and Salamanca. This high density has raised concerns among residents about how additional construction will affect already saturated infrastructures.
Community Reactions to the New Plan
Despite the positive diagnosis presented by the City Council regarding the need to intensify these spaces, many residents are alarmed. Antonio Granero, a representative of a neighbourhood association in Tetuán, argues that this district already faces significant shortages in public spaces and facilities. “Redensifying would further increase the pressure on collapsed infrastructures,” warns Granero.
Despite the scepticism among some residents, the Urbanism delegate, Borja Carabante, assures that any new construction will maintain existing amenities and introduce improvements to public spaces. “It is essential to find a balance between increasing housing supply and ensuring high standards of quality of life,” states Carabante.
New Developments and Opportunities
The PEM also considers less densely populated areas such as Usera and Villaverde for future vertical constructions. With current densities below the recommended levels set by the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOUM) — 220-350 inhabitants per hectare — these districts have room to grow without overly compromising their current resources.
As Madrid moves towards this new urban model, it is expected that these initiatives will not only facilitate access to affordable housing but also promote the necessary energy regeneration to modernise one of the oldest property stocks in Europe. With approximately 70% of its buildings constructed before 1980, Madrid has much work ahead if it wants to provide adequate housing solutions for all its citizens.
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