Crumbling buildings in Lorca's Old Town to be replaced by new homes
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Lorca City Council has ordered the owners to rebuild or give up their land
The historic heart of Lorca is about to see another major step forward in its long road to recovery. At the start of the new political year, Mayor Fulgencio Gil has confirmed that 20 vacant lots between La Alberca Bridge and Calle Nogalte will be subject to forced reconstruction or expropriation.
The owners of these empty plots will be summoned this week and told that they must comply with their legal obligation to give their properties a social use. If they do not, the Department of Urban Planning will begin foreclosure proceedings.
The mayor explained that this part of the city cannot be left to deteriorate further. He pointed to its heritage value and tourism potential, reminding residents that it is home to some of Lorca’s most important museums and monuments.
He said that projects already launched by the council in nearby streets such as Calle Álamo, Selgas and Cava had proven a “model of success.” Five plots have already been granted building permits and several more are heading for auction because their owners failed to meet reconstruction deadlines.
With these new additions the total now rises to 42 plots ready for transformation in the old town, making space for more than 200 homes.
Mayor Fulgencio Gil admitted that progress can be complicated since some lots are divided among as many as 12 different owners. Still, he underlined the urgency of moving forward to ensure that the old town not only survives but thrives as a cultural and residential hub.
Alongside the push to rebuild, Lorca continues to face other challenges. Mr Fulgencio Gil explained that one of the key issues of the year will be the underground works for the AVE high-speed train and the disruption these are bringing to traffic just as schools reopen.
“We demand that the final date for the works be specified and that we know when the connection with Almería will be restored.”
He is expecting the president of Adif, Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña, to visit later this month to set out firm commitments on both the commuter service at San Diego station and the future link to Almería.
Citizen safety will also be a priority and plans are in place to recruit five new Local Police officers, expand the vehicle fleet, introduce drones, install more surveillance cameras and build a new shooting range for training. According to the mayor, this must be matched by an increase in the number of National Police and Civil Guard officers.
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