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Lorca revives its old town with new housing plans following 2011 earthquakes
The renovations mark a turning point for the recovery of the historic centre of Lorca
The historic centre of Lorca is set for a major revival as the reclassification of ruined properties, damaged by the devastating 2011 earthquakes, opens the door for housing reconstruction. This marks a pivotal step in restoring the city's old town to its former glory.
Mayor Fulgencio Gil announced over the weekend that the Lorca City Council has initiated procedures to reassess the condition of several deteriorated properties. This update focuses on evaluating the conservation status of building facades, which has been a critical hurdle in rehabilitating key areas.
“We are talking about places of continuous tourist transit, such as the case of Calle de los Tintes, but also Cava, Santiago and Abad de los Arcos. Those who visit us cannot find, as soon as they leave their vehicle at the Centro de Visitantes de la Merced, buildings that look like film sets, maintaining only facades degraded by the effect of the passing of time and by inclement weather, rain and wind,” the mayor stressed.
Over the past year, Lorca has unveiled an ambitious plan to breathe life back into the historic old town. This includes projects on streets like Álamo, Selgas, Leonés, Cava, Alfonso X el Sabio and Corredera. Plans are already in motion for the construction of nearly 50 homes, more than 30 parking spaces and three commercial premises in the area.
The reclassification process is being overseen by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage within the Region of Murcia's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports. The updated evaluations, based on recent inspections by heritage and urban planning experts, will assess the architectural, historical and environmental significance of these properties.
Elements such as ironwork, cornices and balconies are being analysed to ensure their preservation where appropriate.
Six key properties, whose facades remain standing but heavily damaged, are the immediate focus.
These buildings, demolished after the earthquake due to structural instability, are now supported by scaffolding and concrete blocks. The updated catalogue allows for the preservation of essential elements like corner niches, railings and balustrades while maintaining the original building heights.
This reclassification sets the stage for the final approval of Lorca’s Special Plan for the Historic Site, known as ‘Peprich’. Once implemented, it will provide a roadmap for further development, ensuring the historic centre is not only preserved but revitalised for future generations.
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Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
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