Residents of El Viso oppose the construction of the 'new Spanish Pentagon'

A community on the warpath

The neighbourhood of El Viso, located in Chamartín, Madrid, is facing a possible transformation that has raised alarms among its residents. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and low-rise chalets, the community is preparing to fight against an ambitious urban project proposed by the Ministry of Defence. This plan involves the construction of a 18-storey and 60-metre high building, which some have dubbed the 'new Spanish Pentagon'.

The building is projected to rise on a plot of over 24,000 m², situated at the junction of Joaquín Costa Street and Paseo de la Castellana, right next to Nuevos Ministerios. The proposal includes modernising the current facilities that house the Army's Higher Polytechnic School and centralising various offices of the Ministry. According to the plans presented to the City Council, this development aims to 'improve the facilities' and provide more suitable spaces for the Ministry's activities.

Despite the official justifications, the residents are not convinced. They have begun to submit objections to the plan and are considering forming a formal association to defend their interests. An anonymous resident expressed: 'El Viso was born as a low-rise housing colony; building a skyscraper here is breaking with our identity.' The inhabitants fear that this new structure will radically alter the residential character of the neighbourhood.

Another critical point in this controversy is the concern about how the high security of the complex will affect daily life in El Viso. Residents fear that military events or checkpoints could limit access to their homes or affect their daily mobility. 'We bought here seeking tranquility; we do not want to live next to a large administrative complex,' they argue.

So far, 88 objections have been submitted against this Special Plan, a number considered high by the City Council itself. Borja Carabante, municipal delegate for Urbanism, Environment and Mobility, assured that all objections will be analysed before giving the green light to the final project. He also promised that no actions harmful to the residents will be authorised.

As this urban process progresses, residents hope to maintain an open dialogue with the Ministry to address their concerns and find solutions that respect both their needs and those of the proposed new administrative complex. In the meantime, El Viso remains steadfast in its fight to preserve its essence against what many consider an imminent threat.