This new regulation will enable approximately a thousand premises to be transformed into future homes or live-work units within the city. Mayor Maider Etxebarria highlighted this agreement as a testament to collaboration between the municipal government and opposition groups, emphasizing its role in defending the social function of housing and promoting urban regeneration, while setting criteria to prevent speculation.
Óscar Fernández, councilor for Elkarrekin, positively assessed the government's receptiveness in accepting their proposals, noting the incorporation of fundamental guarantees to address the city's housing access challenges. Elkarrekin has advocated that converting vacant premises must also serve to expand the stock of protected and affordable rental housing.
Key contributions from Elkarrekin include modifications to three articles and the addition of a new point. It is stipulated that when transformations are promoted by the Council or other public administrations, the priority destination for the resulting housing will be protected rental or rental for young people. These new units can also be integrated into the Bizigune program to ensure they are used as affordable housing.
The use of these new dwellings as primary residences is mandated, expressly prohibiting their use as second homes or for tourist purposes. "Housing must have a social use in this housing emergency situation," stated Fernández, recalling that such prohibitions were already in place and are now permanently extended through this agreement.
The final document and the vote on the ordinance will take place in the City Model commission next Monday, the 19th, where submitted amendments will be voted upon.
