This investigation examines the demolition of a protected building to construct 12 luxury apartments, a project promoted by the company Biurban. A buyer, appointed as president of the Ereaga Atalaya cooperative, testified yesterday, clarifying that he was chosen for the role “by lottery” among the partners.

The witness, responding to questions from the popular prosecution led by the PP, stated that in late July, days before the 19th-century mansion was demolished on August 2, buyers received an “email” informing them of the change in plans. He indicated that he would submit this email as evidence in the case.

The cooperative president's testimony corroborates the Ertzaintza's suspicions that two council members with responsibilities in the Getxo government, who were also cooperative members, were aware of what was going to happen. In their police report, agents noted that “days before the demolition, the scaffolding and safety netting were removed.” For the investigative team, this decision “is not compatible with an urgent demolition,” which was the reason given by the promoting company. “It was decided days in advance,” their report concludes.

The company was obligated to maintain three of the four facades, according to the license granted in October 2022 by the Local Government Board. Despite lacking the mandatory replanting certificate, works began in early 2024. According to agents, “partial demolition” of the building started in “February.” The cooperative justified the total demolition, after neighbors reported it to the police, by claiming that a “pipe burst in May” had flooded the land and put the building's “stability at risk.”