Zorrotzaurre, Bilbao’s next urban development

Zorrotzaurre, a peninsula on the Nervión River as it passes through Bilbao is to be the scene of the largest urban renewal plan in the city over the next few years. This unique space of 67 hectares has suffered a gradual urban and economic decline that commenced with the economic crisis of the 70s. This led, in 2002, to the signing, by local institutions, of an Agreement for the Urban, Economic and Social Renewal of the area.

A Management Commission that integrated public institutions and private land owning companies in Zorrotzaurre was formed to direct the urban renewal process.

One of the first decisions taken by the Commission was to contract the anglo-iraqui architect, Zaha Hadid to design the Zorrotzaurre Master Plan. Zaha Hadid presented the first version of the Master Plan in October 2004. As of that date, all the

different agents involved (public administrations, political groups, district councils, land-owners and neighbourhood associations among others) presented their objections and contributions to the Plan.

In September 2005, the Bilbao City Council presented the Plan for the Modification of the General Scheme for Urban Planning in Bilbao for the Zorrotzaurre area, a document which signalled the beginning of the planning process.

Finally in January 2007, the Management Commission contracted with Zaha Hadid the redesign of the Master Plan, incorporating the suggestions and modifications that had arisen over the two-year period.