Zumaia can now enjoy its new Erkibe garden following the completion of works. The official inauguration took place on June 3rd, serving to present the completed actions and inform about the participatory process launched to define the future of the Erkibe building. The event featured a performance by dancers Alain Maya and Iñaki López, concluding with a lunch made from local products.

Mayor Iñaki Ostolaza and Urban Planning Councilor Argi Yeregi recalled that the objective of this project was to naturally connect the Eusebio Gurrutxaga square with the Ignacio Zuloaga square, integrating a space previously isolated by walls into daily routes. The intervention has created a new green area and a meeting space for citizens.

The project had a budget of 328,930 euros, with 83% financed by European Next Generation funds. The Zumaia City Council covered the remaining 17%. The transformation of the Erkibe garden is part of Phase II of the Sustainable Tourism Plan in Destination – UNESCO Basque Coast Geopark.

Mayor Ostolaza emphasized that it was clear from the outset that this was not solely a tourism-linked intervention: 'This garden is, above all, for the people of Zumaia; a new space for residents to enjoy.' Councilor Yeregi added that the garden's transformation is part of the strategy to recover public spaces in the town.

The City Council has decided to launch a participatory process to define the future of the Erkibe building, in collaboration with the cooperatives Farapi and Biziola. Currently in the listening phase, the process gathers opinions from residents, merchants, producers, and other local agents. Productive sessions have already been held, and a meeting with producers is scheduled for today.

In addition to attending sessions, citizens can submit their opinions and proposals through the open questionnaire. The City Council encourages everyone to participate by filling out the form and contributing ideas for Erkibe's future.