A new approach for an old project
The City Council of Madrid is facing a significant challenge in its attempt to transform the Cuatro Caminos garages into a residential complex. Following the recent decision by the Supreme Court, which dismissed the appeals filed by the City Council, municipal authorities are exploring alternatives to make this ambitious urban plan viable.
Sources close to the municipal government have confirmed that meetings have already taken place with cooperatives affected by this situation. The aim is to design a new urban planning scheme that allows for the construction of housing on these historic grounds, where the metro facilities designed by architect Antonio Palacios were located in the early 20th century.
This judicial setback is not an isolated incident; the legal journey related to this project dates back over ten years. In 2014, former mayor Ana Botella presented a plan that was rejected by the courts. Despite this, in 2021, the current mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida revived the initiative by authorising the demolition of the garages, although this was made possible because the ruling was under appeal.
Despite the efforts made and the approval in 2025 of a Specific Modification of the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), which allowed work to commence on the site, this was also dismissed by the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM). The situation has generated frustration among the 443 cooperators who have been waiting for their homes in Chamberí for years.
Criticism of the City Council has not been long in coming. Organisations such as Madrid Ciudadanía y Patrimonio (MCyP) and Ecologistas en Acción have denounced what they consider an illegal operation and have emphasised the cultural and historical importance of the site. According to these entities, the destruction of these garages represents a significant loss for architectural and industrial heritage, in addition to affecting thousands of families who depend on the development of the project.
Despite the complicated outlook, officials from Urbanism and Mobility assure that there are still options available. The Supreme Court ruling is not final due to a pending appeal filed by the Community of Madrid. This leaves a small opening to find a viable solution that satisfies both the cooperators and those advocating for heritage preservation.
With a total area designated for urban development exceeding 43,250 square metres, the plan includes six residential buildings and an iconic 100-metre tower. Additionally, it is planned to include green spaces and commercial areas around a large central park. However, until this legally complex situation is resolved, hopes for the cooperative families will remain hanging by a thread.
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