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Lorca forces sale of empty plots left since 2011 earthquakes
Four old town sites go to auction after owners failed to rebuild homes
Lorca is taking action against owners who’ve left empty plots in the old town for years, with the City Council voting on Monday October 26 to start the auction of four privately owned sites after their owners refused to rebuild.
The plots are on Puerta de San Ginés, Los Tintes, Santo Domingo and Arquillo streets. The council explained that by refusing to build, the owners aren’t meeting the social function of property and are holding back the regeneration of the historic centre.
The move rests on state and regional legislation and is designed to pass the land to third parties who can guarantee quick and efficient building work, stopping the old town from falling further into decay. The same process has also begun for other vacant plots in a similar situation on Calle Juan de Toledo.
The problem goes back to the 2011 earthquakes, which left the old town with 107 empty plots after damaged homes were demolished. Almost none have been rebuilt in the 15 years since, which is why the council has started a mandatory redevelopment plan.
It currently covers 47 plots, totalling 8,400 square metres, spread over five main areas of the historic centre. Projects to build 200 homes have been submitted and are at different stages of approval.
The most advanced area is Calle Álamo and the streets around it with 11 plots, followed by Selgas and Alfonso X and Puente La Alberca-Santo Domingo with 10 each, while Calle Cava and Lope Gisbert-Nogalte have nine each.
For more local information about Lorca, including news and what’s on, enquire at the tourist office (located in the same building, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es), or visit the home page of Lorca Today.
